Seattle Seahawks Sign Pass Rusher to Massive Extension

The Seattle Seahawks are making a long-term commitment to one of their most pleasant surprises from the 2022 season. Per ESPN's Adam Schefter, star pass rusher Uchenna Nwosu is signing a three-year extension worth up to $59 million that will keep him with the team through the 2026 season.

Seahawks’ edge rusher Uchenna Nwosu is signing a three-year extension worth up to $59 million that includes $32 million guaranteed. The deal was confirmed by agents Drew Rosenhaus and Ryan Matha.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 25, 2023

Nwosu joined the Seahawks last season on a two-year, $19.055 million deal after four modest seasons with the Los Angeles Chargers. He promptly delivered a career year, notching personal bests in sacks (9.5), total tackles (66), and quarterback hits (26).

The Seahawks must have been elated with what they saw from Nwosu, as this contract represents a massive investment. If he genuinely approaches the near $20 million annually initially being reported, he'll become the highest-paid player on their defense. The $32 million guaranteed he's set to earn is also the most of any contract currently on the Seahawks' books.

Nwosu clearly demonstrated last season that he was a better fit with the Seahawks than he'd been with the Chargers, but the Seahawks are risking buying high on a player after an outlier season. If Nwosu regresses at all after his breakout year, this deal could end up a significant overpay. It's not like his addition last season radically transformed the Seahawks, either: they finished 25th in points allowed and 26th in yards allowed.

If Nwosu continues to play at a high level, his contract won't be an issue: there are eight edge rushers in the league making over $20 million per year. Still, for four out of five seasons of his career, he hasn't been near their level. The Seahawks need to be careful; handing out lucrative extensions to players whose peak performances only delivered a 9-8 season may mean committing to mediocrity.