The Seattle Seahawks have made significant changes this offseason, most notably trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders and signing Sam Darnold as the team's new starting quarterback for the 2025 season. The transition marks a new chapter for the Seahawks, who will be counting on Darnold to lead the team as they seek to improve their performance on the field.
In a recent mock draft by A to Z Sports, the Seahawks' first-round selection focused on addressing the need for an offensive tackle, with Texas standout Kelvin Banks Jr. identified as a strong option. As the Seahawks look ahead to the 2025 NFL Draft, which they hold the 18th overall pick, the necessity to bolster their offensive line has become a priority. According to the mock draft, "Right tackle is a major need for the Seahawks. Their interior could also get upgraded as well for the team. Banks is an extremely powerful blocker who possesses solid athleticism as well to present some position flexibility."
With Darnold now at the helm, assessments vary among Seahawks fans, many of whom are excited about the potential he brings, while others remain skeptical about his track record. Darnold has been on five different teams in seven years, which raises concerns among some supporters about his stability as a quarterback. The excitement mainly stems from his last season with the Minnesota Vikings, where he led the team to a franchise-record 14 wins, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. Fans recall key performances, such as his 377 yards against the Green Bay Packers and five touchdowns against the Atlanta Falcons.
However, Darnold's late-season struggles are also fresh in the minds of fans. Critics point to a pivotal loss against the Detroit Lions, where he finished with a lackluster 18 completions on 41 attempts, throwing no touchdowns. Adding to the disappointment was a playoff exit against the Los Angeles Rams, where he faced extreme pressure culminating in being sacked nine times and losing a fumble.
Sam Darnold signed a lucrative contract worth $100 million with the Seahawks, a significant commitment that reflects the team's investment in his abilities to steer them toward success. Seahawks GM John Schneider discussed the team's strategy regarding Darnold, juxtaposing him against former QB Geno Smith, who the team attempted to retain with a lucrative extension offer that included $40 million in the first year. Smith’s camp reportedly countered with a demand for $45 million, leading to the decision to trade him instead. Schneider expressed disappointment at the turn of events saying, "It became apparent that we weren’t going to be able to get a deal done," suggesting frustrations on both sides. He also acknowledged that there were discussions regarding D.K. Metcalf's trade request prior to sending him to the Pittsburgh Steelers, emphasizing the changing dynamics within the team.
While Darnold is now the face of the Seahawks’ offense, there’s still uncertainty about the team's overall direction, particularly with their offensive line. Schneider made it clear that they are actively seeking to improve this critical area, stating, "Yeah, offensive line, definitely. We need to… look, I get it. Dave tells me all the time what’s going on out there, ok? Everybody sees it." This reflects a broader acknowledgement that to achieve the ambitions for the upcoming season, the Seahawks must fortify their protection for Darnold.
In addition to the Seahawks’ activities, the Arizona Cardinals have also made strides in reshaping their roster. The Cardinals recently re-signed center Evan Brown to a two-year, $11.44 million contract, which includes $6 million in guarantees along with a $3 million signing bonus. This deal is part of a series of roster changes that highlight the team's aggressive offseason strategy.
The Cardinals also signed linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither to a two-year deal valued at $10 million, featuring $5 million guaranteed. Their push to bolster the defense continued with the signing of defensive lineman L.J. Collier to a one-year contract worth $3 million, along with linebacker Mykal Walker, who received a one-year deal worth $1.79 million. These moves signify a commitment to reinforcing their squad.
The upcoming 2025 season promises to unfold alongside a whirlwind of narratives, from Darnold’s quest to establish his place within the Seahawks organization to the Cardinals’ reinvigoration of their defensive unit. As both teams navigate these transitions, the anticipation among fans is palpable. The success or failure of these strategic decisions will likely shape the identity and performance of both franchises in the league.
In conversations at local bars, the discourse among Seahawks fans encapsulates a blend of hope and skepticism about their new quarterback. Many wonder whether Darnold’s prior performances demonstrate genuine promise or if they merely reflect a string of temporary peaks in a tumultuous career. As the season approaches, one thing is for certain: the pressure is on for Darnold to deliver as the Seahawks venture into a new era with him at the forefront.
