The 2025 NFL offseason has showcased high-stakes decisions from both the Seattle Seahawks and the LA Rams, each team strategically reshaping itself for the season to come. The Seahawks, who are leaning heavily on their defensive strength, have made headlines by signing former Dallas Cowboys edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence and acquiring quarterback Sam Darnold. They also made waves by adding Cooper Kupp, previously of the Rams, bolstering their offensive lineup significantly.
Seattle's approach is clear: they've chosen to build their future on how effective their defense can be. Bringing Lawrence on board is just one part of their plan. Coach Mike Macdonald, known for his defensive prowess, will have the means to craft a formidable unit. He is expected to leverage the skills of returning players alongside Lawrence and build out the defense through the upcoming NFL draft.
Although quarterback Geno Smith and notable wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett won't be joining the team this season, the inclusion of Darnold and Kupp suggests Seattle is not merely resting on its laurels. The question on everyone’s mind is whether this new trio can deliver results as effectively as their predecessors. Time will reveal their capabilities.
Importantly, the offensive line remains a significant area of concern for the Seahawks. With left guard Laklen Tomlinson having departed during free agency, many speculations arise about how the team will address this pivotal gap. Currently, potential alignments focus more on defense, which could suggest Schneider's plan to prioritize another defensive player with their first-round pick if they remain at No. 18.
Malaki Starks, the 6'1", 200-pound safety from Georgia, has emerged as an intriguing draft prospect for the Seahawks. Analysts speculate he could be snagged within the first round. "Seattle will rise or fall based on the defense going forward," reflects their new strategy. Starks brings versatility and high football intelligence, pivotal elements for Macdonald's play style, especially if Seattle opts to use three-safety sets as they continue to evolve their defensive scheme. Yet, there are still schoolyard arguments; many wonder, "Does he need to work on his tackling positioning and not be faked out by trickery? Sure, but what college player doesn't?" This youthful potential could become Seattle's key asset.
Meanwhile, the LA Rams have been busy restructuring their wide receiver personnel. The departure of Cooper Kupp has been significant—hardly ever seen as mere numbers, Kupp initially leveraged social media during the Super Bowl week to inform fans of potential trades, leading to his eventual cut and signing with the rival Seahawks. This marked the end of one chapter and the start of another.
To fill the gap left behind, the Rams have not sat idly but instead have signed Davante Adams—a dynamic player who could create potent chemistry with Puka Nacua. This duo, now at the forefront of the Rams' strategy, could prove to be terrifying for opposing defenses. Could the Rams add even more firepower to their already rich receiver lineup? Although it's not necessarily their immediate need, the excitement bubbles around the possibility of drafting Missouri's Luther Burden.
Burden has drawn attention after teams evaluating him estimate he might still be on board when the Rams select at No. 26. This has sparked thoughts about how such depth could easily translate to luxury for the Rams offensive strategy. It can be argued this alignment reflects the Rams' future direction—Adams signed for just two years, and they would want to identify their next WR3 and WR4 with sustainability moving forward.
Spinning this tale, combining knowledge of Burden’s strengths as someone who can play various wide receiver positions, presents tantalizing prospects of Howells or Stafford leading these powerful offensive plays. "Could it be a fun world where they end up with Burden? Absolutely!" The possibility alone promises fun, with Burden joining Adams and Nacua, all working together under Stafford’s leadership.
So, as we stand at the gateway to the start of the new season, both Seattle and LA have defined their paths. The Seahawks are committed to strengthening their defense, positioning them as contenders, relying on sharp innovations from Macdonald and the draft. For the Rams, the strategy spins around offensive revitalization—an endeavor to combine current stars with newcomers to retain their competitive edge.
This offseason has set the stage for both franchises effectively, merging old experiences with fresh talent for what promises to be another exciting chapter of NFL action.
