In 2025, Byron Murphy II showed in his second season that he was one of the NFL's best young defensive linemen as he helped anchor the defensive front on a Super Bowl winning defense.
Early in the 2026 season, it's becoming more and more apparent that the qualifier "young" is no longer needed. Murphy is emerging as one of the league's best defensive linemen, period.
A force against the run from Day 1 of his career, Murphy began showing off more of his pass-rush ability last season when he had 7.0 sacks to tie for the team lead, then added two more sacks in Super Bowl LX. And while he had to wait a few weeks to get his first sack this season, Murphy is showing that the high expectations he, his teammates and coaches all have for him are justified.
On Sunday, Murphy became the first player this season to sack 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. Then he did it again. That upped his season total to three, matching Leonard Williams, another of the league's top defensive linemen—yes, the Seahawks are loaded up front—for the team lead. Those two also share the team lead with five tackles for loss, the most recent of which for Murphy came on a big third-down run stuff late in Sunday's game.
"Byron's playing dominant football right now," Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald said. "I think we've got to do a better job around him, so those plays come to life a little more and setting up some of the pass situations where we win early downs. Byron's playing great."
Murphy stated coming into the season that he believes he can be a double-digit sack player, generally a benchmark for a great season for an interior lineman, and with three sacks in the past two games, he's showing he's very capable of those types of numbers.
"I feel like it's going pretty good," Murphy said of his pass-rush development. "Last week, when I got my first sack of the season, I'm like, damn, when you get that first one, they just start coming to you, they start coming in bunches, and I got two yesterday. I feel pretty good just being able to go out there and showcase my pass-rushing ability and for the coaches to believe in me, knowing, 'OK, this guy can rush and we're going to give him opportunities.' Being able to go out there and put my best foot forward is pretty cool."
But becoming a top pass-rusher doesn't mean Murphy is ignoring the less glamorous parts of his job. A powerful force in the middle of Seattle's run defense, Murphy is frequently tasked with taking on double teams while still being expected to make plays. He, along with the likes of Williams, Jarran Reed, Uchenna Nwosu, DeMarcus Lawrence and Derick Hall are a huge reason why the Seahawks have one of the league's top run defenses while still playing a heavy dose of nickel and dime defense. And with the 49ers driving late in the game and the Seahawks needing a stop to give the offense a shot at tying or winning the game, it was Murphy who played a key role in blowing up a third-and-1 run and making the tackle for loss, along with Nwosu, to end the drive and force a field goal attempt. Unfortunately for the Seahawks, their final drive was stopped on fourth down before the Seahawks could get into field goal range, but that run stop at least gave the Seahawks a chance to get the ball back.
"I take a lot of pride in the run game," Murphy said. "In order to rush, you've got to stop the run first. I feel like when teams try to run the ball on us, or try to run my way, I take that as the ultimate disrespect. Why are you even trying me? When I'm out there, I take a lot of pride in turning out blocks, playing in their backfield, keeping my linebackers free so they can make plays. I take a lot of pride in that for sure."
Go behind the scenes with team photographer Rod Mar as he shares moments from the Seahawks' Week 5 matchup over the San Francisco 49ers at Lumen Field.
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba warms up before the game wearing gloves supporting the NFL's Crucial Catch initiative, whose mission it is to fight cancer through early detection and risk reduction.
Seahawks receiver Cooper Kupp greets young 12s near the players tunnel before the game at Lumen Field.
Seahawks offensive skill players gather in a tight huddle after their early pregame warmups.
Seahawks outside linebackers coach Josh Bynes talks to his players on the field during warmups.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall takes a moment to autograph a jersey for a fan during early warmups.
Seahawks tight end Elijah Arroyo studies in the locker room before the game.
Seahawks safety Julian Love reviews the game plan at his locker before the game.
The Seahawks gather for a pregame prayer in the locker room before kickoff.
Seahawks defensive lineman Jarran Reed talks to the team before they leave the locker room.
Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall is introduced during pregame.
Seattle's Eric Saubert recovers a fumbled punt that led to the Seahawks first score of the game.
Seattle's Byron Murphy II collects the first of his two sacks on the day.
The Seahawks Dancers brought energy in the autumn sunlight.
Seahawks cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett celebrates his interception with teammates Devon Witherspoon and Derick Hall.
Seahawks receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba after his touchdown in the third quarter.
Seattle's defense celebrates after Josh Jobe recovered a fumble caused by teammate Drake Thomas. From left are Derick Hall, Jobe, Nick Emmanwori and Ty Okada.
12s implore the Seahawks defense in the second half.
Seahawks fans wave 12 flags as the game gets close in the fourth quarter.
Seahawks receiver Cooper Kupp gives his all as he dives for the first down marker on Seattle's final drive.
Another sunny autumn day was on hand for the divisional clash between the Seahawks and the 49ers.
