The Seattle Seahawks have made headlines as they revamp their roster for the 2025 NFL season, aiming to transition from a disappointing campaign last year, where they missed the playoffs. A key part of this transformation involves the addition of star receiver Cooper Kupp and former quarterback of the Minnesota Vikings, Sam Darnold. With these moves, the Seahawks are sending a clear message: they are committed to making a deep postseason run, bolstered by significant offensive upgrades.
After a season that left fans wanting more, the Seahawks have focused on rebuilding under the leadership of Darnold, who is only 27 years old. Darnold's role will be pivotal; he needs to enhance the team's offensive capabilities, especially by developing chemistry with Kupp, who brings a wealth of experience after a triumphant eight-year stint with the Los Angeles Rams.
In a refreshing update on his career trajectory, Kupp shared his sentiments about moving to Seattle after his release from the Rams. "The biggest thing is just the people that this organization has brought in. It feels like a full-circle moment. That was the selling point that Coach Mike (Macdonald) brought, that John (Schneider) had talked about; it was about the people. All the players I talked to, just the culture of this organization, the winning culture of this organization, that’s something I wanted to be a part of," Kupp explained on the Seahawks' website.
But Kupp didn’t stop there. He also took a moment to express his appreciation for the fanbase, famously known as the 12s. He remarked, "For a long time, the 12s have made this a renowned environment to play in... It’s like, ‘Man, this is just a special place to be.’ You go out there and you’ve got the fans creating such an electric environment. They’ve always been cheering against me, now I get to be a part of that." This statement underlines his enthusiasm for his new home and the intense atmosphere that Seahawks fans create.
As for the specifics of Kupp’s transition to the Seahawks, he signed a three-year, $45 million contract, and this deal marks a significant investment by the franchise as they look to fortify their roster. Seattle's offseason acquisitions don’t end with Kupp; they also secured defensive lineman DeMarcus Lawrence from the Cowboys, further indicating their strategy towards a competitive season ahead.
The Seahawks and the Cowboys now find themselves in an unexpected rivalry born from this offseason's events. The tension escalated when Lawrence exited Dallas for Seattle, making a parting comment that did not sit well with his former teammates. Meanwhile, the Cowboys were actively trying to secure Kupp for their own squad, prompting Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb to reach out to him prior to his signing with the Seahawks. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported, "Last Thursday, the Cowboys reached out about Cooper Kupp and they were interested... Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb... were on the phone with Cooper Kupp talking to him about the idea of coming to Dallas... And then the Cowboys heard the numbers, and they were at numbers that the Cowboys weren't going to get to."
Despite Dallas’s efforts, Seattle outbid them with their lucrative offer. Kupp’s value is evident—not only does he bring exceptional receiving skills to the field, but he has also proven his worth as a performer, having won Super Bowl MVP honors and accumulating impressive career statistics, including 634 catches for 7,776 receiving yards and 57 touchdowns since entering the NFL in 2017.
Prior to acquiring Kupp, the Seahawks took a decisive step by replacing former quarterback Geno Smith with Darnold, a move viewed as essential for offsetting the potential loss of wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, who both played pivotal roles in the team's previous offensive strategies. The Seahawks are looking to maximize their chances in 2025 with a fresh and revamped offense, transitioning into a new era of competitiveness.
As they prepare for the upcoming season, all eyes will be on how these key signings affect their performance on the field. The Seahawks not only look to improve on last season's failures but also aim to reignite hope among their fanbase, restore pride in their organization, and contend for a playoff spot with new foundational pieces in place.
In the face of rising expectations, both Kupp and Darnold will have to deliver. For Seattle, the upcoming NFL season presents an opportunity for redemption. The electric atmosphere created by their devoted supporters will undoubtedly serve as an additional motivation for the players on the roster as they push toward their goal of a postseason appearance.
