The Seattle Seahawks have signed Uchenna Nwosu, their standout defender, to a three-year contract extension worth $59 million. This move ensures that the talented rush end/outside linebacker will remain with the team for the foreseeable future.
Nwosu, who was entering the final season of his two-year contract, agreed to the extension just before the start of training camp. The deal includes $32 million guaranteed and was confirmed by his agent, Drew Rosenhaus. By securing Nwosu’s services, the Seahawks have solidified one of their best defensive players.
Previously, Nwosu, 26, was set to earn a base salary of $7.5 million in 2023, with a cap hit of $13.010 million. While the full details of his contract are not yet available, it is expected to significantly reduce his cap number for the upcoming season. This will be a relief for the Seahawks, who had limited available cap space going into training camp.
With this three-year extension, Nwosu is now under contract with the Seahawks until 2026. The team needed to create additional cap space in order to sign their first-round pick, Devon Witherspoon, and second-round pick, Zach Charbonnet, both of whom are yet to sign their rookie deals. Witherspoon’s contract is projected to carry a cap hit of $5.7 million, while Charbonnet’s is estimated at $1.25 million.
Nwosu had an impressive season last year, tying with Darrell Taylor for the team lead in sacks with 9.5. He also recorded 26 quarterback hits, the highest on the team and tied for ninth in the NFL. His contributions were crucial to the Seahawks’ defensive success.
Originally signed by the Seahawks in March 2022, Nwosu’s previous two-year contract was worth up to $19.05 million. In his first season with Seattle, he made an immediate impact, earning NFC Defensive Player of the Week honors in the team’s season opener. Nwosu displayed his playmaking ability by recording seven tackles, one sack, two QB hits, and a forced fumble.
This contract extension is part of a larger effort by the Seahawks to bolster their defensive front seven. In March, they signed free agent Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year deal worth over $51 million, marking the largest amount they’ve paid an external free agent in the Pete Carroll/John Schneider era. The team also re-signed defensive lineman Jarran Reed to a two-year deal worth up to $9 million and drafted edge rusher Derick Hall in the second round.
As the Seahawks gear up for training camp, they can now focus on preparing their team with the knowledge that one of their key defensive players is locked in for the future. Nwosu’s extension provides stability and strengthens their defense as they aim for success in the upcoming season.
