The Seattle Seahawks are shaking up their quarterback lineup as they aim for a competitive edge heading into the upcoming NFL season. Following the recent trade of Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, the franchise has signed former Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold to a hefty three-year deal worth up to $100.5 million. The contract includes a significant out clause, allowing the Seahawks to move on from Darnold after just one year with a payout of $37.5 million.
This strategic signing reflects the Seahawks' ambitions for immediate success while maintaining the flexibility that allows the organization to pivot in 2026 if needed. The team is not merely banking on Darnold’s capabilities to lead them; they are also reportedly eyeing potential competition at the quarterback position as part of their rebuild.
With that in mind, eyes are set on the upcoming NFL Draft, where mock drafts suggest Seattle could select Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers with the 50th overall pick. Ewers, a talented prospect, transferred to Texas from Ohio State and has put together an impressive college resume, racking up 9,128 passing yards accompanied by a solid touchdown-to-interception ratio of 68-to-24 over three seasons.
“He has a strong arm and is capable of making all the throws needed to succeed at the next level,” commented Chris Simms, a former NFL quarterback and current analyst, regarding Ewers' potential. The indication that the Seahawks are considering bolstering competition might just spark Darnold to elevate his performance; after all, a little competition in training can lead to greater results on the field.
Darnold himself expressed enthusiasm about the future, stating, “I can’t wait to get started with this team and build something special. I’m focused on contributing immediately and pushing this team to new heights.” His optimism symbolizes the organization’s intention to rejuvenate under its new quarterback.
While the immediate focus is on Darnold, the prospect of selecting a youthful asset like Ewers is simultaneously an acknowledgement of Seattle's plans for the future. If the Seahawks do draft Ewers, it signifies a dual approach: ensuring Darnold has the motivation to perform while providing a reliable developmental option should Darnold not fulfill expectations.
Interestingly, Ewers is already viewed as a project player, much like many young quarterbacks in the league. His experience in high-stakes college football makes him a promising investment. This would be the motivation for Seattle to bring him into the fold, further indicating how serious they are about nurturing a robust quarterback lineup.
The team’s moves have drawn attention from analysts, particularly Chris Simms, who recently released his rankings for the 2025 quarterback class. His assessment places Ewers at fifth among those eligible for the draft, indicating the potential he still holds despite not being in the top tier. Simms ranks Cam Ward, Shedeur Sanders, and Jaxson Dart higher, yet he suggests that McCord, who he ranks fourth, could similarly be a desirable choice for Seattle if they choose to address the quarterback position during the draft.
As the Seahawks look ahead, their strategy reflects both a commitment to immediate success and long-term growth. By solidifying their roster with Darnold's experience while also exploring promising young talent like Ewers, the franchise demonstrates a competitive ethos suitable for the evolving landscape of the NFL. The upcoming draft could very well set the tone for Seattle’s ambitions, enabling them to establish themselves as playoff contenders in 2025.
Ultimately, the Seattle Seahawks are embracing an intricate balance of veteran support and youth potential, ensuring they are equipped to tackle the challenges of the next NFL season. With strategic drafting and player development, the organization sets the stage for a promising future in the league.
