Just 1 Hour After Learning He’s No Longer in the Plan, Seahawks’ $24 Million Outside Linebacker Is Willing to Restructure His Contract — Just for One More Chance to Take the Field in Seattle Colors
Seattle, Washington – December 23, 2025
The news arrived with the cold efficiency that defines the NFL. As internal signals and draft projections began to suggest the Seattle Seahawks were preparing for a different future at edge rusher, Boye Mafe understood that his role was no longer guaranteed. Just one hour after learning he was no longer part of the long-term plan, Mafe responded in a way that immediately caught the attention of the locker room.
There was no frustration. No demands. Instead, a clear message was delivered to the front office: he is willing to restructure his $24 million contract, accept adjustments to his role and responsibilities — as long as there remains a chance to take the field wearing Seahawks colors.
“If the team no longer sees me as the priority option, I’m willing to step back,” Mafe told those close to him. “I can restructure my contract and accept any role — as long as I still have the chance to fight for the Seahawks. Seattle isn’t just where I play; it’s where my heart belongs.”
From a football standpoint, Mafe is not an easy piece to replace. He has provided steady edge pressure, disciplined run defense, and versatility across multiple fronts. This season, Mafe has recorded 26 tackles, three tackles for loss, three quarterback hits, four passes defended, one forced fumble, and one sack — numbers that don’t jump off the page, but reflect consistency and reliability.
Still, the NFL isn’t governed by production alone. With 2026 free agency approaching and the market for pass rushers continuing to skyrocket, teams are often forced to act early: pay market value, apply the franchise tag, or prepare a more affordable succession plan through the draft. Recent projections linking Seattle to a first-round edge rusher have clarified that calculus.
Inside the Seahawks’ locker room, Mafe’s response resonated quickly. Teammates described him as someone who chooses sacrifice over entitlement, putting the group ahead of personal leverage. For the coaching staff, it was a powerful signal — not an emotional plea, but a concrete commitment at a difficult moment.
Boye Mafe’s future in Seattle remains undecided. But in the span of a single hour, he delivered a clear message about who he is. In a league where many stars respond with anger when faced with uncertainty, Mafe chose a different path: stay, adapt, and fight one more time. And sometimes, that mindset is exactly what can make a franchise rethink a decision that once seemed final.
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