Sports
Bomani Jones says Sean McVay is not a quarterback whisperer
Bomani Jones challenges the notion of Sean McVay as a quarterback whisperer.
Yahoo Sports1 min read
NFLFeature
Seahawks DT Byron Murphy II could take another step in 2026
TL;DR
Byron Murphy II of the Seattle Seahawks showed significant improvement in his second season, recording 62 pressures and 11 sacks. Expectations are high for his performance in 2026 as he continues to develop in a stable defensive system.
Key points
- Byron Murphy II improved significantly in his second season.
- He recorded 62 pressures and 11 sacks, ranking sixth among defensive tackles.
- Continuity in the defensive system is expected to benefit his performance.
Seattle SeahawksByron Murphy IILeonard WilliamsJarran Reed
The Seattle Seahawks received improved play from defensive tackle Byron Murphy II as a sophomore. After a difficult rookie year derailed by injury, Murphy took the desired step forward in Year Two. All indications are his third season could be even better.
Murphy produced 62 pressures and 11 sacks (including 4.0 sacks during the playoffs) for the Super Bowl winning Seahawks. He ranked sixth in the league among all defensive tackles in pressures, according to Pro Football Focus. He trailed just Zach Allen (83), Kobie Turner (69), his teammate Leonard Williams (69), Jeffery Simmons (64), and Chris Jones (63) in that department. That's some elite company to keep.
Continuity should play a major factor for Murphy as he prepares for his third season in Mike Macdonald's defensive system. He'll be playing next to Williams and Jarran Reed inside. There have been minor changes at EDGE, but familiarity will still be present. Uchenna Nwosu, DeMarcus Lawrence, and Derick Hall are back. John Schneider recently signed Dante Fowler Jr. to replace the outgoing .
Q&A
What were Byron Murphy II's stats in his second season with the Seahawks?
Byron Murphy II recorded 62 pressures and 11 sacks, including 4.0 sacks during the playoffs in his second season.
How does Byron Murphy II compare to other defensive tackles in the NFL?
Murphy ranked sixth in the league among defensive tackles in pressures, trailing only elite players like Zach Allen and Chris Jones.
What factors could influence Byron Murphy II's performance in 2026?
Continuity in the defensive system and playing alongside established teammates like Leonard Williams and Jarran Reed are expected to positively impact Murphy's performance in 2026.
