The Seattle Seahawks are navigating a tumultuous offseason as they overhaul their roster, hoping to position themselves for a competitive 2025 NFL season. The team's recent signings have sparked a mix of optimism and concern, particularly about the offensive line's struggles that continue to linger.
The Seahawks made a significant move by signing quarterback Sam Darnold, a decision that has garnered mixed reactions around the league. Described as a polarizing figure, Darnold is recognized for his potential to perform at a Pro Bowl level when placed in the right system. NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha cited the signing as the sixth-best move of the offseason, emphasizing that it was time for Seattle to shake things up offensively, moving on from Geno Smith, who had become a liability yet led the team through recent seasons.
At just 27 years old, Darnold is considerably younger than Smith, and he is coming off a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings. Chadiha noted, "The Seahawks clearly have a plan for Darnold, which starts with pairing him with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Those two worked together in 2023 when Darnold was a backup with the 49ers and Kubiak was the passing game coordinator." This familiarity could be crucial as the Seahawks look to create a cohesive offensive strategy.
Under Kubiak’s direction, Darnold will be expected to leverage his arm strength to create opportunities for Seattle's skill players, including the newly acquired wide receiver Cooper Kupp and running back Zach Charbonnet. However, Seattle's success will predominantly hinge on the effectiveness of its offensive line, which still faces substantial issues. The team has struggled to address this area amidst a thinning free-agent market and missed opportunities in early free agency.
Seattle signed Josh Jones, a former Baltimore Ravens backup, to help fortify the offensive line. However, many fans and analysts see this addition as merely a depth piece rather than a solution to the team's pressing needs on the interior. Since the start of the free agency negotiation period on March 10, the top eight free-agent offensive linemen have found homes elsewhere, leaving the Seahawks scant options.
General Manager John Schneider expressed frustration regarding the difficulties in securing top talent, stating that it is challenging to find starting-caliber offensive linemen at this juncture. "You can’t just throw money at marginal play," Schneider noted when discussing his strategy during a recent appearance on Seattle Sports’ Wyman and Bob. "We want to be a championship team. We don’t want to be an average team." He acknowledged that the team had hosted several free agents for visits, including guards Teven Jenkins and Dillon Radunz, yet missed out when Jenkins signed with the Cleveland Browns.
Despite these setbacks, Schneider remains optimistic about the team's young interior linemen, which include Olu Oluwatimi, Anthony Bradford, Christian Haynes, and Sataoa Lamuea. He believes they can improve with a more balanced offensive approach. Schneider pointed out, "You gain confidence when you come off the ball and can block your guy, instead of being on your heels all the time," suggesting that last season's heavily pass-oriented scheme affected the young linemen's development. He highlighted the eagerness of Kubiak and new offensive line coach John Benton to work with these players, also noting the promising crop of offensive linemen expected in the upcoming draft.
The Seahawks hold 10 draft picks, five of which are within the top 92, in a draft class noted for its strength in offensive line talent. Schneider indicated that he is counting on making impactful selections with these picks, especially with analysts calling it a deep year for offensive linemen.
As the Seahawks prepare for the 2025 season, securing Darnold was a bold step, underscored by his reasonable three-year deal worth $100.5 million. This contract has structural components that allow the Seahawks to pivot if necessary. Chadiha remarked, "That’s insurance in case Darnold implodes like he did in his final two starts of last season. If things go according to plan in Seattle, the 'Hawks shouldn't need to use it."
Seattle’s efforts reflect a dual strategy of investing in skill talent while also focusing on developing existing young athletes on the roster. How effectively they can succeed in both areas is still uncertain, but if Schneider's confidence in Darnold and the young offensive linemen plays out positively, the Seahawks could be emerging contenders in a competitive league.
The coming weeks will undoubtedly be pivotal as Seattle looks ahead to the NFL draft, potentially reshaping the offensive line that remains a crucial area of concern. The effectiveness of new strategies and player acquisitions will be under close scrutiny as fans await the results of the front office's decisions.
