Jarran Reed believes the Seattle Seahawks deserve more respect in the buildup to the 2026 NFL season.
The veteran defensive tackle expressed this sentiment recently, just days into June and well before mandatory minicamp begins in mid-June. Although the 2026 season is still months away, Reed's remarks reveal a chip on the Seahawks' shoulder, signaling a team motivated to prove its worth.
Reed is in his 11th NFL season and has rejoined the franchise that selected him in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft. He has navigated multiple coaching changes and experienced the entire transformation from the Legion of Boom era to the post-Russell Wilson rebuilding phase. His call for respect carries the weight of someone who understands the team's historical excellence and believes in its potential to return to prominence.
Reed's Perspective on Respect
After an OTA session at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center, Reed spoke candidly about feeling overlooked in national NFC discussions. Without calling out any specific outlets or analysts, his message was clear: a Seahawks team that recorded a 10-7 record, secured a division title, won a playoff game last season, and is returning much of its proven veteran talent should not be dismissed.
His argument is compelling.
Last season, Sam Darnold led the offense with 4,048 passing yards and 25 touchdowns. Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba emerged as a top NFL receiver with 1,793 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns in just his second year. Defensively, under coordinator Aden Durde and head coach Mike Macdonald, Seattle ranked eighth in points allowed, showcasing a formidable unit. This is a team well beyond rebuilding -- returning almost all key players from a playoff-winning roster.
Yet, the national offseason narrative has focused more on teams like the San Francisco 49ers, Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Dallas Cowboys. Seattle seems to linger on the periphery of NFC discussions despite recent success.
Reed has noticed this disconnect.
A Tradition of Being Undervalued
Seattle's history is rich with examples of the team being underrated in preseason analysis, only to prove doubters wrong on the field.
In 2012, after a 7-9 season and a wild-card loss, analysts widely predicted the Seahawks to finish third in the NFC West. Instead, Seattle won 11 games, claimed the division, and showcased the Legion of Boom in a memorable playoff run that ended just short of the NFC Championship.
The following year, despite clinching a division title and a playoff victory, Seattle was viewed as a plucky upstart, overshadowed in Super Bowl discussions by the Broncos, 49ers, and Patriots. The Seahawks responded emphatically, dominating Denver 43-8 in Super Bowl XLVIII to win their first Lombardi Trophy.
In 2015, after a narrow Super Bowl XLIX loss, many believed the Seahawks' championship window had closed. The team again won 10 games, secured the division, and narrowly lost in the divisional round, showing resilience.
This recurring pattern of being overlooked fuels the competitive fire in Seattle's locker room. Reed's recent comments echo the same sentiment, suggesting the team's motivation is as sharp as ever heading into 2026.
Why the 2026 Seahawks Command Attention
Unlike a youthful team still finding its identity, the 2026 Seahawks are stocked with experience and define themselves by clear strengths on both sides of the ball.
Offensively, under coordinator Brian Fleury, the Seahawks return star players including Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Cooper Kupp, and running back Zach Charbonnet. Kupp, 33, adapted well in his first Seattle season, recording 47 catches for 593 yards. Smith-Njigba's league-leading 119 receptions marked the highest single-season total by a Seahawk since Doug Baldwin in 2016. Charbonnet carried the ball 184 times for 730 yards and 12 touchdowns, cementing his role as a dependable workhorse.
The offensive line, anchored by tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas, enters the season healthy and in their athletic prime. Cross recently expressed confidence in his health and the team's growing camaraderie, emphasizing a strong starting point for the upcoming campaign. Draft additions like Grey Zabel and Bryce Cabeldue have further fortified the line's depth.
Defensively, the interior is formidable with Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II forming a powerful tackle tandem. Reed continues to provide disruptive pressure as part of the rotation, complemented on the edge by veteran DeMarcus Lawrence and ascending young pass rusher Derick Hall.
The secondary boasts talent and potential with Devon Witherspoon emerging as a lockdown corner, supported by safety Julian Love and rookie Nick Emmanwori, a third-round draft pick in April 2026. While relatively young, this group promises to grow into a strong defensive backfield.
This roster is not banking on overachievement. It is built to be competitive and successful.
Explaining the Respect Gap
Why does Seattle still face a lack of national respect?
One factor is the quarterback. While Darnold delivered his best season with the Seahawks in 2025, skepticism lingers due to his prior status as a journeyman starter. The league often views breakout one-year performances in a conservative light, expecting consistency in future seasons.
Another factor is the division landscape. Despite winning the NFC West, the 49ers remain the media's favored narrative, propelled by Brock Purdy's rise and a talent-rich roster. The Rams' playoff appearance and the Cardinals' return of Kyler Murray and rising star Marvin Harrison Jr. add to the tough competitive environment in the division.
Lastly, Seattle's recent postseason track record contributes to perception challenges. The team's last deep playoff run was in 2014 when it won the Super Bowl. Since then, playoff appearances have been short-lived: a divisional round loss in 2015, a wild card defeat in 2022, and a divisional round exit last January against the Lions. Until the Seahawks reach an NFC Championship Game again, national perception will likely lag despite the team's local optimism.
Reed's message boils down to this: the team is closer to the pinnacle than many realize.
Looking Ahead to the Season
Mandatory minicamp opens on June 16, setting the stage for training camp in late July. The team's offseason program, now entering its final weeks, is focused on preparation and development.
Head coach Mike Macdonald emphasized recently a process-driven approach -- making the most of every practice day, focusing on player progress, and keeping outside noise at bay.
Reed's remarks carry significance because they come from a seasoned leader who understands that respect on the field results from performance, not chatter. He isn't complaining; he is setting an expectation for the team's competitive identity.
If the Seahawks play to their potential and win the critical games, respect will follow. History suggests this is a team that thrives on proving doubters wrong.
Jarran Reed knows this better than most. He's lived it and is ready to lead the charge once again.