The Seattle Seahawks are setting the stage for what can be a pivotal 2025 NFL season, highlighted by the recent signing of quarterback Sam Darnold. The 27-year-old quarterback inked a significant three-year, $100.5 million contract with the team on March 10, 2025, following a breakout campaign with the Minnesota Vikings. However, this move has been met with mixed reactions among fans and analysts alike.
Opinions are split on whether the Seahawks made a strategic gem of a decision or a monumental mistake by opting for Darnold over the now-departed Geno Smith, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders just days earlier on March 7. Some view Darnold as a rising star who enjoyed a breakout season in 2024, while others are skeptical that he can sustain that momentum or return to the form he displayed during his rocky tenure with the New York Jets.
General Manager John Lynch is enthusiastic about the team's approach heading into the draft and expressed confidence about building the roster effectively, emphasizing, "We’ve got this thing called the draft, and we’ve got a lot of picks." The Seahawks are recognized for their need to supplement Darnold with a strong supporting cast, as they aim to bounce back from a stretch that has seen them without a playoff victory since 2019.
One crucial addition is wide receiver Cooper Kupp, who was signed to provide Darnold with a proven target. That said, some analysts caution that Kupp might be nearing the decline of his career. Notably, NFL reporter Mike Band noted, "Signing Kupp does not rule out taking a wideout with an early-round pick; rather, the 'Hawks should still be in the market for an 'X' receiver like Tetairoa McMillan," a standout at the University of Arizona.
With a muscular frame of 6-foot-4 and nearly 220 pounds, McMillan could become another valuable asset alongside existing options such as Jaxon Smith-Njigba. He concluded his college career as Arizona's all-time leader in receiving yards.
As an NFL executive pointed out, Darnold's decision to join the Seahawks could be beneficial for him. "That city (Seattle) is right for Darnold, far away from everything he dealt with on the Jets," the unnamed source remarked. The significant upheaval of switching teams continuously can weigh heavily on players, particularly those with families, but Darnold's girlfriend, Katie Hoofnagle, has been a steadfast support throughout his career. ”The support [from] my girlfriend is unbelievable,” Darnold expressed, highlighting how her understanding of the game stabilizes him during the intense rollercoaster that is NFL life.
Born in Sam Darnold's world are the highs and lows of professional football. He admitted in an interview at the RX3 2025 Charity Flag Football Tournament, "We have lives, we have families, we have everything just like everyone else." He recognizes that for many players, frequent relocations can complicate personal lives, with adjustments and transitions often leaving families behind to adapt.
As he prepares to step into the role of starting quarterback, Darnold is eager to make his mark in Seattle. “I want to get there for OTAs [Organized Team Activities] and spend a bunch of time with my coaches and my teammates,” he said. The Seahawks are expected to commence their OTAs in late May or early June, which promises an exciting time for everyone involved.
The mixed reviews regarding Darnold’s signing are indicative of broader debates surrounding the direction of the Seahawks’ franchise. Some pundits point out the advantages of acquiring Darnold, noting that if the transition does not pan out, the Seahawks can move away from his contract after just one season.
Nevertheless, time will tell if Seattle's faith in Darnold's upside pays off. Darnold's 2024 season with the Vikings showed promise — his performance noticeably improved, as he was recognized as a Pro Bowler — but the Seahawks face a challenging season ahead with new pressures, as depicted by their recent moves. As they strive to enhance their squad for Darnold’s success, the team's strategy will be vital in setting the tone for what the 2025 campaign could look like.
In the meantime, optimism remains for the Seahawks as they look to regain their footing in a competitive NFC West. With major additions and a renewed sense of direction, Seattle could very well make strides toward playoff contention again with Darnold steering the ship, especially with supportive talent around him.
