Seahawks, LB Drake Thomas Agree To Deal

As an undrafted free agent from NC State in 2023, Thomas originally signed with the Raiders. He was unable to crack Las Vegas’ roster, leading Seattle to claim Thomas shortly before the season.

Thomas appeared in seven games and played 118 of 122 snaps on special teams as a rookie. While he suited up for all 17 of the Seahawks’ games in his second year, his role was primarily on special teams again. Just 37 of his 355 snaps came on defense.

Last year was a different story for Thomas, who emerged as a 14-game starter for a team that won the Super Bowl. The 26-year-old totaled 768 snaps, the seventh-most among Seahawks defenders. With 905 snaps, Ernest Jones was the Seahawks’ only linebacker to log more playing time. Thomas took advantage of his opportunity in racking up 96 tackles, 10 TFL, six QB hits, 3.5 sacks and an interception over 17 regular-season games. Pro Football Focus rated his performance an impressive 23rd among 88 qualifying linebackers.

Thomas’ 77.0 grade as a run defender ranked third on the Seahawks, who allowed the third-fewest rushing yards in the NFL. He chipped in another 18 tackles over three playoff wins, including six in a stifling defensive performance against the Patriots in Super Bowl LX.