Boye Mafe

Mafe finds a new home following the Super Bowl win in 2025, landing with the Bengals on a three-year contract. Mafe ranked just fourth on the Seahawks in snaps at the linebacker position in 2025, marking the second straight season of declining playing time, but brings a veteran presence to a team in clear need of such services. It remains unclear whether Mafe will return to a full-time player entering his age-28 season, but the monetary value of the contract seems to indicate those chances are likely. Cincinnati gain a veteran pass rusher that ranked eighth in pass rush win rate in 2025, per ESPN.

Schefter noted that one of his sources believed the deal was complete. Seattle ultimately chose to hang onto Mafe at the deadline. Mafe had 15 sacks between the 2023 and 2024 seasons. He does not have a sack this year and his playing time has dipped in back-to-back seasons. Even in the midst of a downswing, Mafe is worth more to a contending Seahawks team than future draft picks.

Both defenders are members of the Seahawks’ 2022 draft class, meaning they are headed for free agency in the spring. Woolen broke out as a rookie, but his play has slowly declined ever since. He is one of the few Seattle defenders who hasn’t found success in Mike Macdonald’s offense. Mafe totaled nine sacks in 2023 and six in 2024. He doesn’t have a sack this year and is stuck in a part-time role. A new home may be best for both players, and the Seahawks could get some extra draft capital for them instead of watching the duo walk in free agency.