Former Auburn linebacker ‘definitely the epitome of a Seahawk’

Derick Hall is staying in Seattle. The former Auburn linebacker, who was set to hit free agency after the 2026 season, opted to secure his future early by signing a three-year extension with the Seahawks on Wednesday.

A Commitment to Culture

For Hall, the decision to sign an extension worth $42 million—complete with a $13 million signing bonus and $21 million in guaranteed money—was about more than just the financial upside. It was about the environment in Seattle.

"This place is really special to me," Hall said. "Obviously, the money enhances our job and what we do. But, man, it’s really about the love of the game... I’m willing to sacrifice whatever everybody else thought I would be willing to make to be able to be here and be with this team."

His teammates feel the same way about his presence. Safety Julian Love describes Hall as a "force multiplier" who has earned every bit of his success through sheer work ethic. "Not a person in the locker room that doesn’t love D-Hall," Love said. "He’s a pro, and he’s definitely the epitome of a Seahawk."

Overcoming the Odds

Hall's journey to the NFL is defined by resilience. Born four months premature in Gulfport, Mississippi, in 2001, he spent nearly five months in a NICU. That background recently led to his involvement in a Huggies campaign titled “Natural Born Fighters.”

"It’s pretty special looking from where I come from to looking at where the Lord has blessed me now, man," Hall said. "No matter where you start, no matter where you come from, there’s always hope."

Rising to the Occasion

After a 2024 campaign where he started 14 games and notched eight sacks, Hall saw his role adjust in 2025 behind veterans like DeMarcus Lawrence and Dante Fowler. Yet, he saved his best performance for the biggest stage. In Seattle’s 29-13 Super Bowl LX victory, Hall recorded two crucial sacks, including a strip-sack that paved the way for a Seahawks touchdown.

Looking ahead to the 2026 season, Hall insists he is just getting started. "It’s just the tip of the iceberg," he said. "There’s so much more for me, and I know there’s so much greater heights that I can go to in my game."

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