The Seattle Seahawks surprised many by drafting a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft, signaling a shift in their approach to the position. For years, General Manager John Schneider had expressed interest in quarterbacks but never made a significant move until now. This decision impacts current quarterback Sam Darnold, who recently signed a substantial deal with the team. How will this draft pick affect Darnold’s future and the team’s quarterback dynamics? This article explores the Seahawks’ quarterback situation, the drafting of Jalen Milroe, and the team’s communication with its quarterbacks.
The Seahawks’ decision to draft Jalen Milroe raises questions about the team’s confidence in Sam Darnold and Drew Lock. While Darnold is currently the starting quarterback, Milroe’s arrival adds competition and potential for the future. The team’s transparency in communicating their plans to Darnold demonstrates a level of respect and strategic foresight. This article will delve into the details of the Seahawks’ quarterback strategy, the potential impact of Jalen Milroe, and the reactions from key figures within the organization.
Sam Darnold’s Arrival in Seattle
Sam Darnold signed a three-year, $100 million deal with the Seattle Seahawks to be their starting quarterback. This move initially signaled a commitment from the team to Darnold as their primary signal-caller. However, the Seahawks’ history suggests that they are always evaluating quarterback options. According to the article, General Manager John Schneider has consistently shown interest in quarterbacks like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. Darnold’s contract provides him with an opportunity to prove himself, but the drafting of Milroe introduces an element of uncertainty.
Darnold’s performance in the upcoming season will be crucial in determining his long-term future with the Seahawks. He faces competition from veteran Drew Lock and now Jalen Milroe. The team’s investment in Darnold suggests they believe in his potential, but their willingness to draft a quarterback indicates they are not entirely sold on him as the definitive answer. The dynamics within the quarterback room will be closely watched as Darnold attempts to solidify his position.
The Seahawks Draft Jalen Milroe
In the third round of the 2025 NFL draft, the Seahawks selected Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe, marking their first quarterback pick since Russell Wilson in 2012. This move was a clear indication that the Seahawks are planning for the future at the quarterback position. Milroe, known for his athletic ability and arm strength, presents a different skill set compared to Darnold and Lock. His development will be a key storyline to follow as he competes for a role within the team.
According to the article, the Seahawks informed Darnold of their intentions to draft a quarterback. This transparency reflects a level of respect and professionalism within the organization. “Yeah, coach Mike Macdonald gave Sam a heads up, it was kind of in that period just coming down the pike, like, ‘Hey, this isn’t about you, This is about acquiring an impact player, in our opinion… So, Mike talked to Sam. I was able to communicate with Drew. And, obviously we were communicating with Sam Howell throughout the weekend, as well,’ said General Manager John Schneider. This communication highlights the team’s strategy of keeping their quarterbacks informed and involved in their decision-making process.
The Quarterback Competition Heats Up
With the addition of Jalen Milroe, the Seahawks’ quarterback room becomes a competitive environment. Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, and Jalen Milroe will all vie for playing time and the opportunity to lead the team. Darnold, as the current starter, has the most to prove, while Lock aims to showcase his abilities and potentially challenge for the top spot. Milroe’s raw talent and potential make him an intriguing prospect, but he will need time to develop and refine his skills.
The competition among the quarterbacks is expected to intensify during training camp and preseason games. Each quarterback will have the chance to demonstrate their strengths and make a case for why they deserve to play. The coaching staff will carefully evaluate their performances, considering factors such as accuracy, decision-making, and leadership. The Seahawks’ quarterback situation promises to be one of the most closely watched storylines of the upcoming season.
Sam Howell’s Trade to Vikings
In a related move, Sam Howell, who had been demoted to the QB3 spot, was eventually traded to the Minnesota Vikings. The drafting of Jalen Milroe opened a path to eventually deal Howell to the Minnesota Vikings on Day 3. This decision further solidifies the Seahawks’ commitment to Darnold, Lock, and Milroe as their primary quarterback options. The trade also provided Howell with a new opportunity to compete for playing time in a different environment. For now, Milroe will fill that third spot beneath Lock and Darnold.
The Seahawks’ decision to trade Howell reflects their confidence in their current quarterback group. By parting ways with Howell, they are signaling that they believe Darnold, Lock, and Milroe are the best options for the team’s future. The trade also allows Howell to pursue a fresh start with the Vikings, where he may have a better chance of seeing the field. This move underscores the ever-changing landscape of the NFL and the constant competition for roster spots.
Developing Jalen Milroe
Jalen Milroe’s development will be a critical factor in determining his long-term success with the Seahawks. According to the article, Milroe needs to improve his touch on throws, accuracy in the short and intermediate areas, and decision-making under pressure. “Among those areas Milroe needs to work on are throwing with more touch as opposed to zip, more consistent accuracy in the short and intermediate parts of the field and better decision making when facing pressure in the pocket.” These are areas where coaching and practice can make a significant difference.
The Seahawks’ coaching staff will play a crucial role in helping Milroe refine his skills and reach his full potential. With his athleticism and arm strength, Milroe has the raw tools to become a Pro Bowler. The key will be his ability to learn and adapt to the demands of the NFL game. As both Lock and Darnold are more athletic than former starter Geno Smith. There’s no doubting Milroe is the best athlete in the group, though.
Conclusion
The Seattle Seahawks’ quarterback situation is complex and dynamic, with multiple storylines to follow. The arrival of Sam Darnold, the drafting of Jalen Milroe, and the trade of Sam Howell have reshaped the team’s quarterback room and created a competitive environment. The Seahawks’ transparency in communicating their plans to Darnold reflects a level of respect and professionalism within the organization. Although both Lock and Darnold are more athletic than former starter Geno Smith. There’s no doubting Milroe is the best athlete in the group, though.
The development of Jalen Milroe will be a key factor in determining the Seahawks’ long-term success at the quarterback position. His ability to improve his touch, accuracy, and decision-making will be crucial in his quest to become a Pro Bowler. For now, Milroe will fill that third spot beneath Lock and Darnold. Ultimately, the Seahawks’ quarterback situation promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the upcoming season. Just how long Milroe remains in that QB3 role will depend partially on how well Darnold does in 2025 (Seattle can get out from under his contract after just one year if it goes bad). However, the real timeline will depend on how quick Milroe develops the parts of his game that are still too raw to give him the starting position right away.
Leave a Reply