The Seattle Seahawks are looking to recreate successes of the past. A team long know for its ferocity in the defensive backfield with the ‘Legion of Boom’ has committed to building a new, strong group of defensive backs.
They drafted Devon Witherspoon in the first round last year and signed Julian Love in free agency. Now their most recent move further solidifies a star-studded group.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the 35th overall pick in this year’s draft, Safety Nick Emmanwori, was signed to a fully-guaranteed contract on Thursday.
So why’s this a big deal? Rookies sign deals all the time. It’s because Emmanwori’s deal is the first fully-guaranteed contract for a 35th overall pick in NFL history.
It tells two stories. First, the Seahawks are highly motivated to dissuade opposing quarterbacks from challenging them. They hired MacDonald, a defensive-minded head coach who managed a lot of talented defensive backs in Baltimore. With the defensive backfield settled in, Seattle can focus on strengthening other position groups.
Second, it sets a precedent for future second round picks to get the same treatment. It’s not common for day two picks to get fully-guaranteed deals, but the South Carolina product clearly proved his worth to the franchise early on.
The deal was negotiated by David Mulugheta of Athletes First. He is one of the best agents in the league representing star defensive players like Micah Parsons, Budda Baker, and other notable names.
The #Seahawks have given in — they’re signing No. 35 pick S Nick Emmanwori to a fully guaranteed 4-year, $11.588M rookie contract, per @AdamSchefter. This means the first three picks of the 2nd-round have gotten fully-guaranteed contracts, which has never happened before in NFL… https://t.co/wgsxz9bFgC pic.twitter.com/lw21WO3Pqz
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) July 18, 2025
It’s a time of change in Seattle. Long time coach Pete Carroll is out. Geno Smith is gone. Now the team is pivoting with a new vision under the young head coach MacDonald.
It’s early, but MacDonald is already leaving his fingerprints on this Seahawks’ roster.
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