Seattle Seahawks defensive tackle Byron Murphy II enters the 2026 NFL season with a clear objective: translate elite production into the league-wide recognition he believes he has earned. Despite posting numbers in his second campaign that rivaled Pro Bowl selections, Murphy remains a relative unknown outside the Pacific Northwest—a reality he intends to change.
Murphy Targets Elite Benchmarks for Breakout Year
The 2025 season saw Murphy take a significant leap forward. After a rookie year in 2024 that yielded 36 total tackles and two tackles for loss as a rotational piece, he emerged as a full-time disruptor. He finished the campaign with 62 total tackles, 13 quarterback hits, seven tackles for loss, and seven sacks. Notably, he achieved this while primarily aligning at the one-technique position, where he consistently absorbed double teams.
For 2026, Murphy has set specific, ambitious targets: a Pro Bowl nod, an All-Pro selection, and double-digit sacks. He acknowledges the perception that he is undervalued, attributing it partly to playing on the West Coast and avoiding off-field controversy.
Murphy states he wants to be a more aggressive pass rusher from the interior. The Seahawks’ defensive scheme offers a pathway to that goal, with packages designed to move him to the three-technique alignment. That shift would create more one-on-one matchups against offensive linemen, allowing him to utilize the improved speed, athleticism, and separation moves he has refined this offseason rather than relying solely on power.
National Media Takes Note of Extension Potential
The conversation surrounding Murphy’s future compensation has migrated from local circles to the national stage. ESPN reporter Dan Graziano believes Murphy could be the first and biggest candidate for a lucrative extension following a third-year breakout. This projection follows a Seahawks offseason that already rewarded young core pieces: wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, cornerback Devon Witherspoon, edge rusher Derick Hall, defensive tackle Leonard Williams, and offensive tackle Charles Cross all signed long-term deals.
Those extensions established a framework for retaining homegrown talent. While Murphy is not eligible for a new contract until the 2027 offseason, a dominant 2026 season would position him at the front of the queue.
Championship Defense Fueled by Perceived Disrespect
The backdrop for Murphy’s individual pursuit is a unit that finished the regular season as the NFL’s top-ranked scoring defense. Dubbed the “Dark Side Defense,” the group propelled Seattle to a Super Bowl LX victory over the New England Patriots at Levi’s Stadium. Despite the championship, players and coaches feel the organization lacks proper acknowledgement across the league.
That collective chip on the shoulder aligns with Murphy’s personal motivation. As the anchor of the interior line, his development is central to sustaining the defense’s elite status. A more determined, versatile Murphy elevates a unit that has no intention of relinquishing its standard.
This article was originally published on Sports Illustrated as “Byron Murphy II Could Be the Seahawks’ Next Big Payday Waiting to Happen.”
