Seattle Seahawks linebacker Drake Thomas (42). Sergio Estrada-Imagn Images

Seattle Seahawks make a decision on restricted free agent Drake Thomas

By Andrew Kulha | Last updated Mar 5, 2026 9:53 PM ET

The Seattle Seahawks had a decision to make regarding inside linebacker Drake Thomas, and they've made it quickly.

Thomas, 26, was set to become a limited free agent at the start of the new league year on March 11.

That means the Seahawks could have given him a one-year tender and retained the right of first refusal for him on the open market. They also could have simply let him become a free agent.

Instead, it's being reported by Ian Rapoport that the Super Bowl champs are thinking more long-term when it comes to the former undrafted free agent from N.C. State.

Instead of a one-year tender, the Seahawks will be bringing back Thomas on a two-year, $8 million contract that can be worth up to $9 million.

The #Seahawks and starting LB Drake Thomas have agreed to terms on a new 2-year deal worth $8M base with a chance to make $9M, sources say.

With 96 tackles and 3.5 sacks as a first-year starter, Thomas cashes in with a deal done by agent Jay Courie of @mgcsports. pic.twitter.com/WJocyYlDlx
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 5, 2026

Drake Thomas went from undrafted to a Super Bowl starter

Thomas is a great NFL story and a great story of perseverance and competition.

After going undrafted in 2023, he was signed by the Las Vegas Raiders, who cut him before the 2023 season began.

The Seahawks picked him up on a waiver claim but he suffered a season-ending knee injury in November of that season.

In 2024, Thomas played in all 17 games, but he was largely a special teamer.

Heading into 2025, he split time with Tyrice Knight at weakside linebacker before winning the job outright in Week 4.

Thomas finished this past season with 47 tackles, 3.5 sacks and an interception. He notched 18 total tackles during Seattle's Super Bowl run, and now he'll get a chance to run it back.

Andrew Kulha

Andrew Kulha is probably the only sports writer you know who also doubles as a mortician. Spooky! @KulhaSports

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