The pressure is mounting for Seattle Seahawks right guard Anthony Bradford as he heads into a make-or-break contract year in 2026. ESPN's Ben Solak recently named Bradford the Seahawks' "player on the hot seat," and for good reason—his 2025 season was one to forget.

Bradford's performance was a rollercoaster ride that left fans and coaches alike holding their breath. According to Solak, the LSU product got off to a nightmare start, allowing seven quick pressures (defined as pressures in under 2.5 seconds) in the first six games. He seemed to steady the ship over the next seven contests, surrendering just one such pressure, but then the playoffs arrived—and so did the old struggles. Bradford gave up nine quick pressures in the final seven games, a volatility that's hard to stomach for any position but especially unacceptable along the offensive line.

Despite Bradford's inconsistencies, the Seahawks managed to capture the Super Bowl title last season. Now, with his four-year, $4.6 million rookie deal winding down, 2026 looms as a pivotal season for the 24-year-old guard. He'll need to prove he can be a reliable anchor on the line, or risk losing his spot entirely.

Adding to the heat, Seattle drafted AP first-team All-American left guard Beau Stephens in the fourth round (No. 148 overall) of the 2026 NFL Draft. Stephens has already been taking reps at right guard during rookie camp, signaling a clear competition for the starting job. He'll be battling alongside Bryce Cabeldue and Christian Haynes, making the Seahawks' interior line one of the most intriguing storylines to watch this offseason.

For Bradford, the message is clear: consistency is key. In the high-stakes world of NFL football, especially for a Super Bowl contender, there's no room for erratic play. The 2026 season will be his chance to silence the critics and secure his future in Seattle—or watch it slip away.