Former NFL star and "FOX NFL Kickoff" analyst Julian Edelman has expressed strong confidence in the Seattle Seahawks' potential for the upcoming season, describing them as a "storm brewing to wipe out a lot of teams." Edelman highlighted the team's strong foundation, including the return of 20 of 22 starters from their Super Bowl-winning team.
Edelman noted that quarterback Sam Darnold, despite winning the Super Bowl, is driven by a desire to improve after his Super Bowl performance. This competitive mindset, coupled with the team's overall strength and the leadership of head coach Mike Macdonald, contributes to Edelman's optimistic outlook.
"I was so impressed with [Seahawks head coach] Mike Macdonald's calm, cool and collected demeanor but also his way where he's big with the connections with the players, but he also has kind of that hard alpha trait to him because he is a defensive guy and his mentality with steering the ship," Edelman stated. "I'm so impressed with every single guy they have."
The Seahawks are set to open the 2026 regular season at home against the Patriots. The team is coming off a 14-3 season, which included a franchise-record 14 regular-season wins and their second Super Bowl title in franchise history. Their offense, under the guidance of then-offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, ranked third in the NFL in points per game and eighth in total yards.
Seattle's defense was a key factor in their success, leading the league in opponent points allowed per game and ranking sixth in total yards allowed. The team's defense will return defensive coordinator Aden Durde for his third season.
Edelman also touched upon the perceived threats from other teams, including the Los Angeles Rams, who feature MVP quarterback Matthew Stafford and have made significant acquisitions like defensive end Myles Garrett and cornerback Trent McDuffie. The return of defensive lineman Aaron Donald from retirement further bolsters the Rams' roster.
However, Seattle has focused on retaining its core players. The Seahawks have extended wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and cornerback Devon Witherspoon with lucrative deals. They also re-signed defensive lineman Leonard Williams and wide receiver/returner Rashid Shaheed, among other moves. In the 2026 NFL Draft, Seattle selected running back Jadarian Price, addressing the departure of Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III.
"They draft, develop and pay their guys," Edelman said. "They got a lot of great things going for them, and the biggest thing is that no one's even talking about them. It's the quietest Super Bowl champion team I've ever heard of. It's unreal, and it's going to play into their favor."