Boye Mafe is now entering Year 4 with the Seattle Seahawks, and it’ll be a pivotal one for the 26-year-old edge rusher.
Mafe entered the league in 2022 as a second-round pick (40th overall) out of Minnesota, signing a four‑year rookie deal worth about $8.56 million with over $6.3 million guaranteed. The franchise tag will be an option for the Seahawks once the 2025 season concludes, but retaining him means they may also have to plan for a future extension, so a trade could also be an option.
After stalwart veteran Brandon Graham to retirement and Josh Sweat to free agency, the Philadelphia Eagles are thin on dependable, long-term edge talent. Could a trade for Mafe be a good thing for the Eagles in the long term?
Let’s discuss.
A Look Back at Mafe’s 3 Years With Seattle
GettyShould the Philadelphia Eagles try to trade for pass rusher Boye Mafe?
In his debut season, he played all 17 games (starting three), and he finished with 41 tackles (three for loss), four QB hits and 3.0 sacks.
In 2023, Mafe took a significant leap, becoming a full-time starter. He amassed 52 total tackles (nine for loss), a career-high 9.0 sacks, six passes defended and a forced fumble. He also set a Seahawks franchise record with seven consecutive games recording at least one sack.
Through mid-2024, Mafe continued to play well, appearing in 15 games while starting 11. He finished last season with 40 total tackles (eight for loss), 6.0 sacks, 12 QB hits and a forced fumble.
With a logjam at edge rusher—featuring Uchenna Nwosu, Derick Hall, and newly signed Demarcus Lawrence—the Seahawks may be willing to move Mafe while his value is peaking. It’s hard to say whether Seattle could be swayed to move him, but we think the following trade compensation might be enough:
- Philadelphia Eagles receive: Boye Mafe
- Seattle Seahawks receive: 2026 3rd-round pick, conditional 2026 5th-round pick (becomes a 4th if Mafe records 7.0 or more sacks in 2025).
Moye Could Thrive in Vic Fangio’s Defense
The Eagles and general manager Howie Roseman are always aggressive when it comes to acquiring proven talent — particularly if it’s a player on a rookie deal. This trade would let Seattle retool with draft assets while the Eagles land a 26-year-old pass rusher who could start immediately.
Mafe, with 15 sacks over the past two seasons, would offer instant disruption. His ability to collapse pockets with both speed and strength would give defensive coordinator Vic Fangio a reliable weapon in both base and sub-packages.
In addition to on-field production, Mafe’s age and contract status are attractive. He’s just 26 and has a $2.14 million cap hit for 2025, making him a cost-effective addition. The Eagles could even explore an early extension if Mafe thrives in Fangio’s multiple-front scheme, locking in a core defender before he hits the open market.
Mafe also fits the mold of the type of high-floor, high-motor player the Eagles covet. Whether used as a primary edge rusher or rotated with Nolan Smith and Sweat, Mafe would elevate Philly’s pass rushing unit. His arrival could be the kind of quiet but pivotal move that makes the Eagles’ defensive front even better than it already is.
