The Seattle Seahawks are navigating a pivotal offseason as they reassess their quarterback position while keeping an eye on potential free-agent acquisitions. As of March 21, 2025, they find themselves in the spotlight, with notable NFL free agency movements continuing to unfold.
Geno Smith, the seasoned quarterback, is entering the final year of a three-year, $75 million contract at the age of 35. This creates both respect for a proven performer and the pressing need for the Seahawks to consider their long-term strategy at quarterback. Smith has established himself as a steady presence on the field, but the advanced age paired with an expiring contract brings uncertainty about his future and the future of the franchise.
At the same time, the Seahawks have recently made headlines by signing quarterback Sam Darnold to a polarizing three-year, $100.5 million deal. Reactions to this signing vary widely; some analysts hail it as a stroke of genius, while others see it as a disastrous mistake. According to NFL Network’s Omar Ruiz, the Seahawks are confident that Darnold's best days are still ahead of him. "Seahawks are confident his best football is still in front of him," Ruiz reported, highlighting Darnold's potential based on his breakout season experienced with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
In 2024, Darnold outperformed Smith, demonstrating a higher caliber of play and growth that has fueled the team's optimism about him. Critics, however, question whether Darnold can sustain this trajectory, especially considering the Seahawks may not set him up with the same depth of support he enjoyed in Minnesota. Despite a solid performance last season, concerns linger regarding how effectively he will mesh with the current Seahawks lineup, which has undergone several changes.
Ever since trading away star receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers and releasing Tyler Lockett, the Seahawks have revamped their receiving corps. The spark in their offense came from the acquisition of Cooper Kupp, who, while an established talent, also brings a history of injuries. This season will heavily depend on how Darnold adapts and whether he can leverage his connection with new teammates to maintain effectiveness and bolster the team’s performance.
As the Seahawks contemplate their options, the potential addition of wide receiver Stefon Diggs brings further intrigue. Diggs, a 31-year-old former player with the Minnesota Vikings and the Buffalo Bills, spent the 2024 season with the Houston Texans, where he caught 47 passes for 496 yards and three touchdowns before suffering an ACL tear in October. His recovery is ongoing, which makes his market availability particularly delicate.
Rumors have circulated that the New England Patriots recently hosted Diggs for a visit, signaling interest in the veteran receiver. Meanwhile, Nick Shook of NFL.com identifies Seattle as a plausible landing spot for Diggs, citing their current cap space and the needs of their receiving corps. Shook noted, "The Seahawks have cap space and already took a swing on one 31-year-old receiver with a documented injury history, signing Cooper Kupp," hinting at the Seahawks' strategy to invest in experienced receivers, even with the associated risks.
Shook further explained, "Diggs' path back to the field is complicated by the ACL injury that ended his 2024 campaign in October...his versatility and experience -- plus Seattle's need to fill out its receiving corps -- makes this an ideal fit." This perspective has piqued the interest of fans eager to see how such a pairing would shape the Seahawks’ offensive strategy moving forward.
Acquiring Diggs would not only add skill to Seattle's offense but would also potentially create a formidable receiving unit alongside Kupp and rookie Jaxon Smith-Njigba. As the Seahawks usher in a new-look offense, the versatility of Diggs, should he fully recover, could significantly enhance the passing game led by Darnold. Comparatively, the previous season proved successful for Diggs, who had accomplished six consecutive seasons with over 1,000 yards receiving during his tenure with the Bills, peaking with a career-high of 1,535 yards and 127 receptions in 2020.
As the division rivals gear up for the approaching season, the Seattle Seahawks stand at a crossroads. The impending decisions regarding Smith and the evaluation of Darnold's performance create a landscape where immediate impacts must be weighed alongside long-term ambitions. As they assess the possibilities of adding a player like Diggs to their lineup, it becomes clear that every move will have lasting ramifications on the franchise's competitive edge in the league.
Ultimately, the conversations taking place within the Seahawks’ organization will shape the future of the franchise, whether they continue building around Smith’s experience or pivot toward investing in younger, more dynamic talent. As free agency unfolds, the path forward remains uncertain, but it's one that the Seahawks will navigate with the hopes of fortifying their position in the NFL landscape.
