Hovering somewhere between the Saints and Steelers in the NFL’s middle class over the past few years, the Seahawks made significant offseason changes. They swapped out two known commodities on offense, dealing away Geno Smith and D.K. Metcalf before adding less reliable figures to replace the two cornerstones. Sam Darnold and Cooper Kupp‘s performances will go a long way toward determining if the Seahawks can make a level jump this year.
Beyond that, John Schneider‘s second offseason with full roster control led to a major offensive line investment in the draft. In a division with Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, the Seahawks have an annually difficult task. Will their offensive adjustments move the needle in what should be a more difficult NFC West compared to 2024?
Trades:
Smith’s contract became an issue for a second straight offseason. While the Seahawks were ready to renegotiate this year — not the case in 2024 — they moved on. This wrapped a six-year partnership with Smith, who had moved from a low-priority player — the Seahawks cut the former Russell Wilson backup for roster-rearranging purposes in 2019 — to a starter who had clearly established himself as a midlevel option. The Seahawks were just not ready to greenlight an upper-middle-class payday to retain the late-blooming arm.
Mike Macdonald endorsed a second Smith starter-level payday coming off a 10-7 season, and early expectations pointed to that eventually happening after talks began in February. Smith, though, tabbed his value in a different salary bracket than the Seahawks wanted to enter.
After evaluating Smith for three-plus years (counting an injury fill-in stretch in 2021), Schneider deemed him worthy of a slight raise — but not one that would have vaulted the QB near the $50MM-per-year club. Smith was believed to be eyeing a deal between $40 and $45MM per annum. That is now well off the top tier, thanks to the $50MM-AAV club’s expansion, but the Seahawks are believed to have offered Smith a deal that resembled the Darnold terms (three years, $100.5MM). Smith rejected it, and the team moved on.
Smith, 35 in October, did not land the contract he sought from the Raiders. His reunion with Pete Carroll brought a two-year, $75MM extension. A key difference between Smith and Darnold’s deals, though, involves fully guaranteed money. Smith secured $58.5MM at signing. Not only is that north of where the Seahawks went for Darnold, it marks a sizable bump from what Smith received on his previous Seattle pact. Carroll and Schneider signed off on a three-year, $75MM contract in 2023. This was essentially a pay-as-you-go deal, as it contained only $27.3MM at signing.
Smith hovered in no-man’s land in terms of QB AAV on that contract, checking in north of backup money but well south of true franchise-level dough. The Seahawks rebuffed Smith’s hopes of an adjustment last year, as two seasons remained on his contract, but he did not escape the QB middle class even after securing a coveted update. Smith is set to enter the season as the NFL’s 17th-highest-paid passer (his previous deal would have checked in 20th). Only Darnold and Baker Mayfield, the latter having outplayed his 2024 Buccaneers contract, are in his neighborhood. Considering Smith’s age and atypical profile, moving toward $45MM AAV was not realistic.
Although Smith posted better marks compared to his Comeback Player of the Year season in completion percentage (70.4) and passing yards (4,320), the season came with an interception uptick (a career-high 15). Initially being placed in a competition with Drew Lock following the Wilson blockbuster trade, Smith surprised most by reemerging as an NFL starter. The Seahawks could not ultimately land great value in a trade for the elevated asset, though using the third-round pick on quarterback Jalen Milroe brings symmetry.
Raiders trade talks included a Seahawks offer of Smith and Metcalf in a package that would have brought back Maxx Crosby. Unsurprisingly, Las Vegas declined. But days after the Smith swap, Seattle moved Metcalf. The big-bodied weapon had requested a trade, and while Schneider said this situation did not feature animosity or a major value discrepancy, the team bailed on a six-year contributor. Metcalf, 27, had requested a trade in the past. The Steelers rewarded him with a four-year, $131.99MM extension ($60MM at signing). That dwarfed his Seattle terms (3/72); Metcalf is now the NFL’s fourth-highest-paid receiver.
That placement is bullish on a player who is 2-for-6 in Pro Bowl nods and one who was not a regular red zone threat during Smith’s time. Metcalf has three 1,000-yard seasons on his resume and has never finished south of 900, representing consistency. An argument can be made the Steelers paid higher-end WR1 money for a second-tier wideout, but the AFC North team had pursued Metcalf in 2024 — a year filled with Pittsburgh WR inquiries. This worked out well for Metcalf, who followed college teammate A.J. Brown in already collecting a second extension out of the 2019 second round.
The Seahawks had targeted a first-round pick for Metcalf, but the wide receiver eyeing an extension that surpassed $30MM per year stood to limit the return. Unsurprisingly, Seattle pulled off a deal after reducing its asking price. Metcalf played a lead role in Wilson’s late-prime years — a stretch that may need to be isolated if the declining QB is to reach the Hall of Fame — and delivered quality (if unspectacular) work with Smith.
Metcalf’s durability also factored into the trade price, as fellow 2019 second-rounder-turned-contract-year trade piece Deebo Samuel only brought the 49ers a fifth. As Metcalf moved toward a contract year, however, Schneider pivoted and will build around Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
Howell has been traded twice in two years; he became expendable after Lock’s return. The team waited until it acquired Milroe to make the move, sending Howell to Minnesota. Smith played all 17 Seahawk games last season, keeping Howell on the sideline after he started all 17 Commander tilts in 2023. The former fifth-round pick is in a contract year, being set to back up J.J. McCarthy after an uneventful Seattle stop.
Free agency additions:
- Sam Darnold, QB. Three years, $100.5MM ($37.5MM guaranteed)
- Cooper Kupp, WR. Three years, $45MM ($17.5MM guaranteed)
- DeMarcus Lawrence, OLB. Three years, $32.5MM ($13MM guaranteed)
- Marquez Valdes-Scantling, WR. One year, $4MM ($3MM guaranteed)
- Josh Jones, OL. One year, $4MM ($3MM guaranteed)
- Drew Lock, QB. Two years, $5MM ($2.25MM guaranteed)
- Shaquill Griffin, CB. One year, $3MM ($1.75MM guaranteed)
- Eric Saubert, TE. One year, $1.42MM ($518K guaranteed)
- D’Anthony Bell, S. One year, $1.37MM ($225K guaranteed)
- Shemar Jean-Charles, CB. One year, $1.3MM ($50K guaranteed)
- Steven Sims, WR. One year, $1.17MM
The Raiders did not think highly of Darnold, leading to the Smith trade. Shortly after that swap, however, it became known the Seahawks would make an aggressive push for PFR’s No. 1 free agent. Darnold’s Minnesota breakthrough attracted several teams’ interest — in a year featuring unexciting free agents and, beyond Cam Ward, a maligned draft crop — but ended up with a franchise that did not have a need at the position until just before free agency.
An Aaron Rodgers rumor surfaced re: Seattle, as Schneider was in Green Bay when the team drafted the future Hall of Famer, but a Darnold deal was done less than 24 hours later. The Mayfield contract shaped his 2018 draft classmate’s. The Buccaneers have their starter on a three-year, $100MM deal. Though, the former No. 1 overall pick’s better track record led to a $40MM guarantee at signing. Darnold did not reach that point, and the Seahawks designed a Derek Carr-like deal that created an out next February.
An additional $17.5MM shifts from an injury guarantee to a full guarantee five days after Super Bowl LX. That matches the Raiders’ 2022 Carr deal. The AFC West team escaped the contract shortly after Super Bowl LVII; will the Seahawks send Darnold back to free agency after one season?
Darnold’s 35-touchdown pass season also brought outlier numbers, based on Darnold’s Jets and Panthers work, in completion rate (66.2%) and yardage (4,319). He powered the Vikings to a 14-3 season and elevated Kevin O’Connell to Coach of the Year honors. A rough ending to the season also became part of the Darnold free agency package, as the Lions and Rams routed the Vikings — the QB took nine sacks in the wild-card loss. The Vikings also had J.J. McCarthy readying to take over, and even though Darnold would have brought far more 2025 certainty, Minnesota passed on a franchise tag.
Teams showed interest in Darnold. The Steelers and Giants were among them. Darnold’s shaky run in New York and Carolina clearly limited his market, as no true multiyear guarantee appeared available to the former No. 3 overall pick. Darnold sought a bigger guarantee, but this pay-as-you-go Seattle deal looked to be the best he could muster. Thus, a “prove it” year will either be the bridge to another Seahawks contract or lead a regressing passer to the 2026 market.
Darnold’s Seattle success will need to feature regular contributions from Kupp, who will return to his native Washington. Drafted out of Division I-FCS Eastern Washington in 2017, Kupp emerged as a go-to target for Jared Goff and Matthew Stafford. His 2021 season remains one of the greatest in the history of the receiver position. The slot performer won the triple crown and both approached Calvin Johnson‘s regular-season receiving record and Larry Fitzgerald‘s postseason mark. Kupp’s 2,425 combined receiving tally is the most in a season, and the Super Bowl LVI MVP parlayed that dominant performance into a three-year, $80MM extension that included a substantial guarantee.
Kupp’s compensation became an issue quickly, after injury-plagued 2022, ’23 and ’24 seasons. Missing 18 games from 2022-24, Kupp was due a $7.5MM roster bonus in March. The Rams cut bait and replaced him with Davante Adams. Kupp, though, commanded widespread interest. He was linked to the Patriots, Jaguars, Broncos, Packers, Titans, Raiders, Saints and Cowboys. But an opportunity to come home and replace Metcalf appealed to the 32-year-old wideout, whose contract also allows for the Seahawks to move on fairly cleanly after one season.
February 13 will be a seminal Seahawks date. The same day the team must decide on Darnold’s $17.5MM guarantee will bring a Kupp call, as a $9MM guarantee will vest on that date. The team has Kupp on a fairly favorable deal; his injuries and age suppressed his value here. Kupp is NFL’s 25th-highest-paid receiver. Injury leeriness is baked into this deal, with ankle and hamstring trouble sidelining Kupp since his impact Super Bowl. An ACL tear also appears on Kupp’s medical sheet. He will attempt to work as a Smith-Njigba complementary piece.
Lawrence landed on his feet still and will reunite with ex-Cowboys position coach Aden Durde. The second-year Seahawks DC coached Lawrence from 2021-23. Going into his age-33 season, Lawrence commanded interest beyond the “prove it” level his Lisfranc injury seemingly could have required. Prior to the truncated 2024, however, Pro Football Focus graded Lawrence as a top-12 edge defender six times in the previous seven years.
The well-rounded defensive end secured two Cowboys extensions but lost value after missing 13 games last season. Lawrence anchored Dallas’ D-line before Micah Parsons‘ arrival and transitioned into a high-end sidekick under Durde. Lawrence also stayed healthy in 2022 and ’23, playing 17 games in each season. The Seahawks also protected themselves in case the four-time Pro Bowler does not pan out. In only guaranteeing 2025 salary, Seattle would owe barely $4MM in 2026 dead money in the event of a release. Like Darnold and Kupp, the Seahawks managed a careful contract here.
Fresh off hijacking the Giants’ hopes at landing Ward at No. 1 overall (via a Week 17 upset win over the Colts), Lock returned to Seattle on a pay cut. He played for $4MM with the 2023 Seahawks and $5MM with the ’24 Giants. He is now at $2.5MM per annum.
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Lock, who went 1-4 as a 2024 starter with a 59.1% completion rate, might be called upon if that pattern recurs due to Milroe’s developmental curve. Darnold’s injury past does leave the Seahawks exposed a bit for 2025; nevertheless, Schneider has now authorized a trade for Lock and two contracts.
An 11-player Seahawks draft omitted the cornerback position, leading Schneider to indicate the team was not done there. Seattle discussed terms with Rasul Douglas but circled back to Griffin, a Carroll-Schneider-era third-rounder who initially departed in 2021. Griffin came up as a potential Carroll reunion piece, but he joins a Seahawk CB crew with questions. Griffin, 30, would not be in position to answer long-term queries at the position, though. Jobe, Riq Woolen and corner-turned-safety Coby Bryant are 2026 FAs. For 2025, though, Griffin (82 starts, including three as a Viking last year) can help as a stopgap. The ex-Seahawks starter logged 572 defensive snaps in 2024.
Valdes-Scantling played under new OC Klint Kubiak in New Orleans, catching on after a Buffalo release. He managed a raise from 2024, when he was on a $2.25MM Bills deal. The former Packers and Chiefs starter filled in with an injury-plagued Saints receiving corps, averaging an impressive 22.6 yards per reception (albeit on only 17 grabs) and scored four touchdowns. MVS’ guarantee indicates Kubiak has a tertiary role in mind, even with the Seahawks rostering Jake Bobo and adding two wideouts on Day 3.
Re-signings:
The twice-traded Jones came up as a Seahawks priority, and after it looked like his value had dipped thanks to those transactions, he found a home in Macdonald’s defense. The Seahawks had abandoned their LB plan last year, trading Jerome Baker and waiving Tyrel Dodson. Jones is just 25 and profiles as a lower-cost Roquan Smith piece in Macdonald’s scheme. After an eventual 2024, the former Rams third-rounder has a long-term spot on a defense that values the ILB role.
The Rams made Bobby Wagner a one-and-done, clearing the path for Jones to anchor their linebacking corps in 2023. He responded with his best statistical season, accumulating 145 tackles (14 for loss) and 4.5 sacks. Not big on investing much at linebacker, the Rams let Jones seek a trade without him having requested one. PFR’s No. 29 free agent, Jones nearly matched his 2023 tackle count by making 138. PFF only ranked the twice-relocated ‘backer 54th at the position last season, but he picked up Macdonald’s defense quickly and should be positioned better after spending an offseason in the system.
Like Kupp and Darnold, Jones will see a notable guarantee ($5MM) lock in by mid-February. That makes this contract an extended trial period. This is Reed’s fourth Seattle deal. The team also arranged this contract similarly, including a $2MM vesting guarantee five days after Super Bowl LX (the Seahawks figure to be heard from at PFR that week).
The former Seattle second-rounder both signed an extension and then returned after one-offs with the Chiefs and Packers. Now 32, Reed profiles as a supporting-caster on a D-line featuring Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy. Reed has been a quality interior pass rusher over the past two seasons, combining for 11.5 sacks during his second Seattle stint. His return coupled with Hankins’ (it will be Year 13 for the durable NT) provides muscle to an interior D-line that will work alongside a promising EDGE corps.
Notable losses:
- Pharaoh Brown, TE
- Tre Brown, CB
- Artie Burns, CB
- Jaelon Darden, WR (nontendered)
- Trevis Gipson, OLB
- George Fant, T (released)
- Noah Fant, TE (released)
- Stone Forsythe, T
- Jaren Hall, QB
- Rayshawn Jenkins, S (released)
- Dre’Mont Jones, DL (released)
- Tyler Lockett, WR (released)
- Jason Peters, T (retired)
- Roy Robertson-Harris, DL (released)
- Laken Tomlinson, G
- K’Von Wallace, S
Out of the Fant business altogether, the Seahawks provided a surprising cut when they jettisoned their three-year tight end starter. The team had re-signed the former first-rounder on a two-year, $21MM ($11.49MM guaranteed) deal in March 2024, after having picked up his fifth-year option. Fant was the first Seahawk to earn that add-on in the option era (2011-present), but he was not incredibly productive following the 2022 trade. Fant somehow managed only one TD reception over his past two seasons; he posted a 48-500-1 line in 2024.
The release came after the team added Elijah Arroyo in the second round. Rather than Fant helping build the rookie an onramp, the Seahawks continued their pass-game makeover by moving on before training camp. Fant has already met with the Bengals, Dolphins and Saints. Seattle also has AJ Barner at tight end; the 2024 fourth-rounder caught 30 passes for 245 yards and four TDs as a rookie.
Smith-Njigba’s breakout dropped Lockett to the WR3 role, and the Seahawks disbanded a six-year receiver tandem. None was as productive in Seahawks history; Lockett and Metcalf combined for seven 1,000-yard seasons. Lockett, 32, had voiced an expectation before Week 18 that a 2025 Seattle exit was firmly in play. The Seahawks avoided a $5.3MM roster bonus payment by releasing Lockett, who had agreed to a two-year, $30MM reworking in 2024. This still brought a hefty dead money sum, at $13.9MM. Together, Lockett and Metcalf still count $34.9MM against the Seahawks’ 2025 cap.
Lockett soared well past ex-teammate Doug Baldwin and edged Brian Blades to become the second-leading receiver in franchise history. The 10-year veteran had agreed to a four-year, $69.2MM extension in 2021 but is now tied to a one-year, $4MM Titans accord. Bobo, Valdes-Scantling and two Day 3 wideout draftees will attempt to fill in for the 10-year Seahawk.
In March 2023, Jones (at $17MM per year) became the highest-paid free agency addition in Seahawks history. The Broncos ended up swapping out Jones for Zach Allen. While the latter surged to All-Pro status, Jones did not play out his deal and joins Lockett in Tennessee. The Seahawks used Jones almost exclusively on the edge last season, after he split time between the D-line and OLB in 2023. This was an interesting strategy, as Jones built considerable FA value as a 3-4 D-end in Denver. Because of a 2024 restructure, Jones’ release tagged Seattle with $14.1MM in dead cap.
The Seahawks benched Jenkins last year and then included him in the lot of players given permission to find a trade partner at the Combine. No trade emerged. George Fant‘s second stint did not go as hoped; the veteran tackle went down a few snaps into Week 1 and later reinjured his knee, leading to a second IR stint. Jones, Jenkins, Fant and trade acquisition Robertson-Harris combined to provide $27.25MM in cap savings.
Extensions and restructures:
Injuries have overshadowed Nwosu’s time in Seattle, but because of an extension he signed following a healthy debut (2022), the ex-Charger became a prohibitive cut. Nwosu has missed 11 games in back-to-back seasons. That came after a 9.5-sack 2022 that looked to prove Carroll and Co. right for signing the ex-Joey Bosa sidekick. An MCL injury (suffered in a preseason game) and then a torn quad — sustained 20 plays into his return from IR — shelved Nwosu last season. In 2023, a strained pec knocked him out for the season.
Nwosu, 28, was tied to a $21MM base salary in 2025; the pay cut knocked that down to $11.85MM. The team converted some of Nwosu’s money into a signing bonus, creating a $20MM dead money bill in the event of a 2025 release. Signed to a three-year, $45MM extension in 2023, Nwosu now resides as something of a bonus for the Seahawks. No longer their top edge rusher, Nwosu joins Lawrence and ex-second-rounders Boye Mafe and Derick Hall at OLB. He began training camp on the active/PUP list due to an offseason knee procedure. Macdonald called the eighth-year vet “not necessarily close” to a return.
At $4.1MM per year, Dickson became the NFL’s highest-paid punter. Dickson averaged more than 49 yards per punt in 2023 and ’24; this included a 50-plus figure in 2023. Seattle’s punter for the past seven years is now signed through the 2029 season. Dickson, 29, and the Jaguars’ Logan Cooke are the only punters tied to AAVs north of $4MM.
Draft:
- Round 1, No. 18: Grey Zabel (OL, North Dakota State) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 35 (from Titans): Nick Emmanwori (S, South Carolina) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 50: Elijah Arroyo (TE, Miami) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 92 (from Lions through Jets and Raiders): Jalen Milroe (QB, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 142 (from Jaguars through Texans and Vikings): Rylie Mills (DT, Notre Dame) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 166 (from Bills through Texans): Tory Horton (WR, Colorado State) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 175*: Robbie Ouzts (TE, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 192 (from Dolphins through Bears): Bryce Cabeldue (G, Kansas) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 223 (from Saints through Eagles and Steelers): Damien Martinez (RB, Miami) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 234: Mason Richman (T, Iowa) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 238 (from Chargers through Patriots)*: Ricky White (WR, UNLV) (signed)
Weeks prior to the draft, the Seahawks made a push for Will Fries. Many teams joined them, and the ex-Colts starter signed with the Vikings. The focus shifted to the draft, and Zabel fills a glaring need. The Seahawks moved on from stopgap Laken Tomlinson, in place following Damien Lewis‘ 2024 free agency exit, and are installing Zabel at left guard. This was not automatic, as the Division I-FCS standout had spent time four O-line spots (all but center) in college. The ex-Bison’s intelligence also had some projecting him as an NFL center prospect.
Ethan Pocic had represented the Seahawks’ only first- or second-round interior O-lineman drafted from 2012-23. Russell Wilson lamented the team’s pattern of underinvestment here late in his tenure, and the Seahawks paid for it last season. PFF graded Seattle’s O-line as the NFL’s second-worst in 2024. The team’s Abraham Lucas RT investment has produced repeated injuries, while center Connor Williams retired in-season. Poorly graded in 2024, RG Anthony Bradford is battling to keep his job. Center is also unsettled. Zabel stands to provide a potential building block and could be retained (via the fifth-year option) through 2029.
The Seahawks listed Emmanwori as a player they made an effort to trade up for in Round 1. Seattle only needed to climb to No. 35 for the safety prospect, whom they hosted on a “30” visit early in the pre-draft process. Emmanwori upped his draft stock at the Combine, wowing in the 40-yard dash, vertical jump and broad jump. He led all DBs in vertical leap (43 inches) and broad jump (11-6) and punctuated the eventful Indianapolis showcase with a 4.38-second 40 time. He is the only safety to clear 43 inches and 11 feet in the jump events while also dipping under 4.4 seconds in the 40. Emmanwori being 220 pounds added a degree of difficulty there, drawing first-round rumors.
Seattle extended Julian Love (through 2027) last year and has converted corner Coby Bryant contracted for one more season. Emmanwori, though, might be too talented to stash in a reserve role. This would stand to affect Bryant’s playing time.
Arroyo is the Seahawks’ highest-drafted tight end since Schneider’s 2010 arrival; the team had previously only used one Day 2 pick (third-rounder Nick Vannett) on this position in that span. Fant’s exit signals the team’s confidence in Arroyo, whom both Daniel Jeremiah and Dane Brugler tabbed the fourth-best TE in this class. Considering Kupp’s injury history and both Lockett and Metcalf leaving, the Seahawks will need Arroyo to be a big part of their passing attack this season.
Arroyo being a notable contributor in one of his four Miami seasons adds more questions regarding Fant, with the rookie far from polished. (The Arroyo pick also came after the Seahawks pursued Juwan Johnson in free agency.) Arroyo (35/590/7) spent more time in the slot than in-line last season. While the Seahawks figure to capitalize on his big slot-like training, they will need to see a more well-rounded prospect before unleashing him. Training camp and preseason play will present a clearer picture of the Air Raid product’s readiness.
By far the Seahawks’ most intriguing pick came in Round 3. Milroe received buzz about going off the board much earlier, but teams’ concerns about his raw profile led to a drop. Persistent accuracy questions affected Milroe’s stock, but the skillset tantalized to the point a reality in which the Alabama alum carries the highest ceiling for a 2025 QB draftee was mentioned. The Seahawks informed Darnold they were choosing Milroe, whom Macdonald deemed a clear backup. The Seattle HC, however, dismissed a Taysom Hill-like role for the rookie as well.
Hosting Milroe on a “30” visit, the Seahawks have at least a year to observe his development. The dual threat compiled an eye-popping 20 rushing TDs last season but will need to show aerial improvement to avoid being labeled a package player. Milroe’s progress should factor in heavily into the Seahawks’ Darnold decision come February.
The Seahawks have a history of rolling with a rookie over a free agent signing, as the Wilson-Matt Flynn offseason showed. Macdonald was in Baltimore when Lamar Jackson morphed from raw talent to second-year MVP — the Eagles also saw a move like this (the Jalen Hurts second-round choice) produce a rather memorable payoff — but the gap between Darnold and Milroe figures to protect the veteran for 2025 at least. Milroe’s progress will still be a central storyline for the NFC West club this year.
Other:
Not a candidate for any other NFL OC jobs last year, Grubb returned to Seattle — after a pledge to follow Kalen DeBoer from Washington to Alabama — for his first crack at the pro game. The Seahawks won 10 games and improved their total offense ranking by seven spots (21 to 14) from 2023. Jaxon Smith-Njigba also enjoyed a Year 2 breakthrough. The team’s O-line also struggled, and its two-second-rounder rushing attack ranked 28th. Macdonald booted his top 2024 hire, and Grubb took the Alabama job a year late.
This will be Kubiak’s third chance in an OC role. His first (2021) only lasted one season, as the Vikings’ decision to fire Mike Zimmer re-routed his play-caller. Kubiak then landed as QBs coach during a disastrous 2022 Broncos season, before rehabbing his stock as a Shanahan San Francisco staffer. Kubiak, 38, drew a short straw with the Saints; Derek Carr, Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed missed extensive time, marring an explosive start to the season. The Saints dropped from ninth in Pete Carmichael‘s finale to 24th last season, though Spencer Rattler and a backup cast of receivers significantly impacted the 2024 performance.
Smith-Njigba will be on a third system in three years, and the Seahawks now employ two of the three offensive minds behind Russell Wilson‘s 2022 Denver catastrophe (Outten was Broncos OC that year). But the Seahawks are tapping into an offensive genre with which they are quite familiar. The NFC West will feature three Mike Shanahan-influenced offenses this season, and after firing his first OC, Macdonald will need this one to work.
Kubiak said Geno Smith represented a draw for him, and Macdonald asked each OC candidate how to better unleash D.K. Metcalf. Plans certainly changed. But Darnold will slide from Kevin O’Connell‘s McVay-geared offense to a somewhat similar scheme. This stands to provide an acclimation boost. The Seahawks are now running the NFL’s offense of the moment and will entrust two 30-somethings with play-calling responsibilities.
Ownership is showing faith in Schneider, extending him following a host of major offseason changes. On one hand, the GM has overseen by far the best 15-year stretch in franchise history, assembling rosters that produced 10 playoff berths (two Super Bowl journeys) from 2010-22. On the other, the Seahawks have not reached an NFC championship game since the Malcolm Butler sequence and have one playoff win over the past eight years.
This is Schneider’s first extension since the Wilson blockbuster. He obtained cornerstones Cross and Devon Witherspoon with the two Broncos-acquired first-round picks, adding Mafe and Hall with the seconds. The two first-rounders are clear-cut extension candidates, and Smith-Njigba’s ascent gives Schneider’s new QB an appealing weapon. Schneider, 54, also whiffed on a number of first-round picks between the Legion of Boom era and the Wilson trade. He also rode shotgun alongside Carroll until the head coach’s 2024 ouster shuffled the team’s power structure.
Greenlighting this extension after the Smith and Metcalf trades, ownership is counting on the NFL’s second-longest-tenured pure GM to orchestrate a rise akin to the one he drove in the early 2010s.
Cross became the first Seahawks draftee to see his fifth-year option exercised. The former No. 9 overall pick has displayed durability and is coming off his best season. PFF ranked Cross ninth among tackles, and he checked in 16th in pass block win rate. Young LTs rarely hit the market, so an extension figures to emerge before Cross’ 2026 contract year. As the Chargers’ Rashawn Slater deal shows, the price will only go up.
Interested in an extension, the 24-year-old blocker gives the Seahawks a chance at a long-term pillar here for the first time since Walter Jones‘ retirement. Seattle had operated without much consistency here between Russell Okung‘s one-contract stay and Cross’ 2022 arrival.
Top 10 cap charges for 2025:
- Leonard Williams, DL: $15.04MM
- Sam Darnold, QB: $13.4MM
- Uchenna Nwosu, OLB: $11.85MM
- Cooper Kupp, WR: $9.35MM
- Devon Witherspoon, CB: $8.69MM
- DeMarcus Lawrence, OLB: $7.68MM
- Jason Myers, K: $6.83MM
- Charles Cross, LT: $6.8MM
- Julian Love, S: $6.12MM
- Riq Woolen, CB: $5.43MM
Finishing with 10 wins in the one year the NFC required double-digit victories to earn the No. 7 seed, the Seahawks now likely will face a better-equipped 49ers team to go with a Rams squad drawing Super Bowl buzz. A path out of the middle class might not emerge this year, but the Seahawks have important QB evaluations to make. They also can throw a refueled defense at their California foes. Macdonald’s first year brought major improvement on Carroll’s late work, approaching the top 10 in both scoring and yardage.
Darnold’s 2025 will be a top QB storyline to follow. Disproving his Vikings one-off was fluky will give the Seahawks a 2026 bargain at the position. Of course, the Seahawks do not quite carry the weaponry and coaching infrastructure the Vikes afforded Darnold last year. Kupp will need to answer questions as well, as a microscope will be on this team if Darnold and his new WR2 cannot remind what Smith and Metcalf provided.
The Seahawks had seen Smith extension talks break down, leading to the team regrouping after trading its three-year starter to the Raiders for a third-round pick. Rather than spending weeks without an answer at the game’ premier position, Seattle made a successful Sam Darnold pitch. Darnold joined the team on a three-year, $100.5MM deal — one that features a Seahawks escape hatch in February 2026.
Lock has played ahead of Milroe throughout training camp. The dual-threat Alabama prospect entered the draft with a high ceiling, particularly when compared to a mostly maligned QB class this year, but is viewed as a developmental option. Milroe will certainly be on Seattle’s 53-man roster, but a role as the third-stringer appears in place to open the season.
