The Seahawks made history in July 2025, signing rookie safety Nick Emmanwori to a fully guaranteed contract. Learn why this is a massive move for the team.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Mike Macdonald era in Seattle has officially begun, and it started with a history-making bang. The Seahawks locked up second-round pick Nick Emmanwori late Thursday night, but this wasn't just any rookie contract. The team signed the dynamic safety to a fully guaranteed deal, a first for any player selected 35th overall, signaling a massive vote of confidence in the athletic cornerstone of their 2025 draft class.
Nick Emmanwori... becomes the first player drafted in that slot to receive a fully guaranteed rookie deal.
The Seahawks didn't just like Nick Emmanwori; they made a statement. After trading up 17 spots to snag him at 35th overall, the front office went a step further by fully guaranteeing his rookie contract. This unprecedented move underscores how much they value the South Carolina product's elite athleticism—showcased by a blazing 4.38 40-yard dash and a staggering 43-inch vertical at the combine. The plan is to deploy him at nickelback, adding his explosive talent to a secondary featuring veterans Julian Love and Coby Bryant at safety. With Emmanwori signed, all eyes now turn to tight end Elijah Arroyo (50th overall), the last remaining unsigned draft pick.
Emmanwori wasn't the only new face at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center this week. The entire 11-player draft class and 18 undrafted free agents reported for duty on Tuesday, getting a head start on their NFL journey. In a notable shift from the Pete Carroll era, Coach Macdonald brought the rookies in as early as league rules permit for meetings and conditioning ahead of the first full practice on July 23. This early acclimation period is crucial for players like late-round receiver Ricky White III, whose path to the 53-man roster likely runs through special teams excellence. For UDFAs like rush end Jared Ivey and cornerback Zy Alexander, it's a critical chance to impress coaches and fight for a coveted practice squad spot on a defense loaded with returning starters.
The buzz around the new-look Seahawks is palpable, and the league has taken notice. The 2025 schedule features four prime-time games, putting Macdonald's squad under the national spotlight early and often. The new head coach is embracing the expectations. 'I think I speak for the whole team, we’re really excited to get this team going starting in training camp,' Macdonald stated. This excitement is backed by decisive action, from the aggressive Emmanwori contract to the disciplined, early start to camp. It's clear a new standard is being set in Seattle, one built on preparation, investment in talent, and a hunger to compete.
With the rookies already in the building and a landmark deal secured for their top pick, the foundation for 2025 is being laid. The next major milestone is the arrival of the veterans, followed by the first full practice on July 23. That's when we'll get our first real glimpse of how Emmanwori fits into the defensive scheme and which young players can rise to the challenge. The offseason of change is over; the Macdonald era is officially underway.
