The Top Patriots and Seahawks 2026 NFL Free Agents to Follow in Super Bowl LX

On Sunday, the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks will face off in Super Bowl LX for the NFL's ultimate prize, the Lombardi Trophy. While the right to be called a champion will be every player's ultimate goal this weekend, the game could mean a little something extra.

For players scheduled to be free agents in March, Super Bowl LX will provide one final chance to make a statement before hitting the open market.

Teams typically want a piece of that Super Bowl puzzle, and a strong performance in the big game can leave a lasting impression. It's probably no coincidence that Milton Williams shone in last year's Super Bowl, landed a four-year, $104 million deal in free agency, and is back in the title game playing for the Patriots.

Here's one last look at the top impending Patriots and Seahawks free agents, their outlooks for the 2026 market, and how they're likely to impact Super Bowl LX.

Coby Bryant, DB, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Godofredo A. Vásquez

There's a good chance that the Seahawks will look to lead with their top-ranked scoring defense on Sunday, and safety Coby Bryant should play a huge role if that's the plan.

Bryant, who has played both safety roles and cornerback in his four-year career, will likely have a variety of responsibilities against New England. The list may include shadowing tight end Hunter Henry, doubling receiver Sefon Diggs, providing run support, and ensuring that speedy playmakers like TreVeyon Henderson don't turn second-level plays into home runs.

Head coach Mike Macdonald has a lot of flexibility with Bryant in the lineup. It's that versatility that makes the 26-year-old such an alluring free-agent target.

Bryant is coming off a tremendous season at safety, in which he allowed an opposing passer rating of only 54.0 in coverage. He has a projected market value of $14.3 million annually.

K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge, New England Patriots

AP Photo/John Locher

The good news for the Patriots, aside from the fact that they're playing in the Super Bowl, is that they're not at risk of losing many key contributors in free agency. However, New England would be wise to try locking up edge-rusher K'Lavon Chaisson.

Chaisson, a 2020 first-round pick of the Jacksonville Jaguars, didn't play up to his draft status early in his career. However, he had a breakthrough season with the Las Vegas Raiders in 2024 and inked a one-year, $3 million deal with the Patriots this past offseason.

After amassing 7.5 sacks, 23 quarterback pressures, and 10 tackles for loss in 2025, the 26-year-old has a projected market value of $9 million annually.

Chaisson will be a critical piece of Mike Vrabel's defensive game plan on Sunday. New England reached the Super Bowl by allowing fewer than nine points per game in the postseason. Its best chance of upsetting the Seahawks will likely come if the defense can disrupt Sam Darnold and force him into mistakes.

Jack Gibbens, LB, New England Patriots

AP Photo/Greg M. Cooper

Like Chaisson, linebacker Jack Gibbens joined the Patriots on a one-year deal this past offseason. In the process, he reunited with his former Tennessee Titans head coach, Vrabel.

Gibbens has filled multiple roles for the Patriots, playing on special teams and defense, where he's been in and out of the starting lineup. The 27-year-old has even worn the green dot when captain Robert Spillane has been sidelined. He appeared in all 17 regular-season games, finishing with 81 tackles, eight tackles for loss, and a sack.

Against Seattle, Gibbens will likely play a rotational role on defense while providing coverage duties on special teams.

Gibbens is set to be a restricted free agent in March, and he'll be a strong candidate to return to New England. However, a standout performance on Sunday will probably be enough to draw offers from other teams.

Jaylinn Hawkins, S, New England Patriots

AP Photo/Nick Wass

Safety Jaylinn Hawkins came to New England in 2024, but he didn't have his breakout campaign until this year. After being a core special-teamer and playing a rotational defensive role last season, Hawkins got his chance to be a full-time starter after the Patriots hired Vrabel.

"I knew when Vrabel came here, how he talked about what he was trying to build, the first guy that came to my mind was Jaylinn Hawkins," special teams coach Jeremy Springer said, per Mark Daniels of MassLive.

Hawkins became one of New England's biggest playmakers during the regular season, racking up 71 tackles, 1.5 sacks, and a team-high four interceptions. The Patriots will need him to help contain Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and to help capitalize on any errant throws Darnold may make.

Coming off a career year at 28 years old, Hawkins has a projected market value of $8.3 million annually. A strong finish and a Super Bowl ring might be enough to push his salary into the double digits.

Boye Mafe, Edge, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Peter Joneleit

Seahawks pass-rusher Boye Mafe recorded 15 sacks while regularly starting during the 2023 and 2024 seasons. However, he played more of a rotational role this past season, finishing the year with just two sacks and 17 quarterback pressures.

Of course, Mafe's value to Seattle's defense goes beyond the raw numbers. The 2022 second-round pick is part of a deep rotation that also includes DeMarcus Lawrence, Uchenna Nwosu, and Derick Hall. With multiple edge-rushers in the group, Seattle can consistently dial up pressure with fresh defenders.

Expect Seattle's pass rush to have a pivotal impact on Sunday's game. Patriots quarterback Drake Maye is a legitimate MVP candidate, but he's also been sacked 15 times in three playoff games. Much of the contest will likely hinge on his ability to avoid pressure, or not.

A disruptive performance, like the one Josh Sweat had in Super Bowl LIX, could make Mafe a coveted free-agent target. The 27-year-old currently has a projected market value of $8.1 million annually.

Rashid Shaheed, WR, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

Seattle added receiver and returner Rashid Shaheed at the trade deadline in a deal with the New Orleans Saints. While Shaheed's offensive numbers might not stand out (252 scrimmage yards in nine games), he's proving to be one of the most valuable in-season additions of the 2025 season.

Shaheed is a true home-run hitter who can score from anywhere on the field. He had kick- and punt-return touchdowns for Seattle in the regular season, and he opened the Seahawks' postseason by returning the opening kickoff in the divisional round for a score.

Expect offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak to look to get the ball in Shaheed's hands as a runner and a receiver. Shaheed may also prevent the Patriots from event thinking about delivering a returnable kick or punt.

Shaheed currently has a projected market value of $14.1 million annually. A couple more game-changing plays for Seattle, though, may be enough to earn the 27-year-old much more in 2026.

Kenneth Walker III, RB, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Wade Payne

Running back Kenneth Walker III has already boosted his free-agent stock over the past two months. He had a couple of huge games at the end of the regular season and took over as Seattle's every-down back after Zach Charbonnet suffered a torn ACL early in the playoffs.

Walker spent most of the season splitting time with Charbonnet, who got much of the short-yardage and goal-line work.

The Seahawks will want to lean on Walker as a runner and a receiver early and often against New England. Limiting Darnold's exposure to mistakes will likely be part of the game plan, and Walker can help by leading a strong ground attack and by serving as an outlet receiver.

The 23-year-old topped 1,300 scrimmage yards during the regular season and has a market value of $8.4 million annually. Should he carry Seattle to a Super Bowl victory, Walker might become the most coveted back in free agency.

Riq Woolen, CB, Seattle Seahawks

AP Photo/Stephen Brashear

Cornerback Riq Woolen was a rookie Pro Bowler in 2022 after tying for the league lead in interceptions with six. However, he has failed to replicate that level of production since, and he was the topic of trade speculation during the regular season.

The 26-year-old also drew a critical taunting penalty in the NFC title game that erased a fourth-down stop and set up a Los Angeles Rams touchdown.

Still, Woolen is a young, physical cover corner who allowed an opposing passer rating of only 75.5 in the regular season. While Seattle may have Devon Witherspoon covering Diggs for much of the game, Woolen will play a pivotal role in the secondary.

Woolen hasn't started since Week 8 but played at least 73 percent of the defensive snaps in both playoff games.

A clutch performance in the Super Bowl would help Woolen put his mistake in the NFC Championship Game behind him while potentially boosting his free-agent stock. He currently has a projected market value of $8.2 million annually.

*Contract and market value information via Spotrac. Advanced statistics from Pro Football Reference.