Seattle Seahawks Re-sign Veteran DT Johnathan Hankins While Waiving QB Jaren Hall and Three Others in Preparation for UDFA Signings
In a noteworthy post-draft move that signals both continuity and change, Seattle Seahawks general manager and head coach Mike Macdonald is reshaping the team’s roster as they head into the summer months. The Seahawks have officially brought back a familiar and well-respected face to bolster their defensive front — veteran defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins — while simultaneously making room for a wave of undrafted free agent (UDFA) signings by parting ways with four players, including quarterback Jaren Hall.
The decision to re-sign Hankins comes at a critical point in the offseason. As Seattle wraps up its 2025 NFL Draft activities, the team is now turning its attention to finalizing the 90-man roster it will carry into training camp. Among the key transactions is the addition of Hankins on a one-year deal — a move that reflects the franchise’s desire to rely on both seasoned leadership and reliable production in the trenches.
Johnathan Hankins, a 12-year NFL veteran, initially joined the Seahawks ahead of the 2024 season. During that campaign, he appeared in all 17 games and started in eight, contributing consistently across the defensive line. He recorded 30 total tackles, five tackles for loss, and a sack. Notably, his five TFLs marked his highest total since 2019. Hankins also delivered a memorable moment with an interception against 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy, showcasing his awareness and veteran instincts.
Given his performance last season and the absence of any nose tackle selections in this year’s draft, it became clear that bringing Hankins back was not only logical but necessary. The Seahawks clearly value his physical presence and leadership on the field — something the younger players can learn from as the franchise undergoes a mild retooling phase under new leadership.
Mike Macdonald, who took over the head coaching role following the departure of Pete Carroll, has been vocal about constructing a versatile and physically dominant defense. Re-signing Hankins aligns with this vision, especially as the team integrates new draft picks like Notre Dame’s defensive lineman Rylie Mills and others expected to add depth and competition.
On the flip side of the roster adjustment, the Seahawks made the difficult choice to waive four players. Most notably, quarterback Jaren Hall was released following the team’s acquisition of former Alabama standout Jalen Milroe. Hall, who had started two games for the Minnesota Vikings in 2023 and later signed with the Seahawks, never managed to solidify his place in the quarterback rotation. His brief stint in Seattle was more of a depth move, but with Milroe and veteran Drew Lock on the roster, Hall became the odd man out.
In addition to Hall, three other players were waived to open space for incoming undrafted free agents. This wave of releases is typical during this time of the offseason, as teams across the NFL prepare to bring in a fresh crop of undrafted talent in hopes of finding hidden gems who can make an impact during camp and the preseason.
The Seahawks have already begun filling those open slots. Among the undrafted free agents reportedly joining the team are several intriguing prospects, including offensive lineman AJ Gillie (Louisiana), defensive back Zy Alexander (LSU), cornerback Isaiah Hamilton (Ole Miss), running back Jacardia Wright (Missouri State), edge rusher Jared Ivey (Ole Miss), and linebacker Jackson Woodard (UNLV). These players will enter a highly competitive environment where they’ll need to impress quickly to earn a spot on the final 53-man roster.
Seattle’s approach this offseason appears to be balanced between adding youthful upside and preserving experienced leadership. In Macdonald’s system, which emphasizes disciplined defense, gap integrity, and situational awareness, a player like Hankins is invaluable. His return will not only help stabilize the run defense but also provide mentorship to the younger linemen navigating their first NFL training camps.
As the team transitions into a new era under Macdonald, these roster moves give fans a glimpse into the organizational philosophy taking shape. The blend of re-signing proven veterans like Hankins while giving new talent an opportunity to emerge is a strategy rooted in both pragmatism and long-term development.
In summary, the re-signing of Johnathan Hankins reinforces Seattle’s commitment to defensive strength, particularly in the interior. At the same time, the decision to move on from players like Jaren Hall signals a willingness to adapt the roster to fit a specific vision. With UDFA signings underway, the Seahawks are laying the foundation for what they hope will be a successful and competitive 2025 season.
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