Seahawks' Darnold Set to Shine as Rookie Milroe Fights for Spot!

Seattle, USA - The Seattle Seahawks have a lot at stake as they head into the 2025 NFL season. Fresh off a spectacular 2024 season where he led the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs, quarterback Sam Darnold has now inked a lucrative three-year contract worth $110.5 million with Seattle. Darnold showcased remarkable skill last year, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and only 12 interceptions, all while maintaining a completion percentage of 66.2. With such impressive stats, expectations are high as he embarks on this new chapter in his career.

However, the Seahawks recently stirred the pot by drafting quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. This move raised eyebrows and sparked speculation regarding Darnold’s starting position. Fortunately for him, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald has come forward to clear the air, declaring Darnold as the unquestioned starter unless an injury alters the scenario. In fact, Macdonald has praised Darnold’s performance during offseason practices, specifically noting his efficiency in red zone situations. NFL analyst Rich Eisen also chimed in, labeling concerns over Darnold’s job security as „silly,“ which should reassure fans worried about team dynamics.

The Competition and Its Context

As the Seahawks gear up for organized team activities (OTAs), Milroe, considered a developmental project, is currently positioned as the third quarterback, trailing behind Darnold and Drew Lock on the depth chart. His time with the third-string unit means he’s getting fewer practice reps than his more experienced counterparts. According to Bleacher Report, while Milroe’s potential is acknowledged, the Seahawks seem inclined to utilize Lock as a traditional backup, potentially designing plays to leverage Milroe’s athleticism as he acclimates to the NFL.

Despite the additional competition, Darnold, now at 27, appears to be entering the prime of his career, which the Seahawks aim to capitalize on as they move forward from their past quarterback, Geno Smith. General manager John Schneider even had prior discussions with Darnold before drafting Milroe, emphasizing that the pick wasn’t intended to signal any threat to his job security.

What Lies Ahead for Quarterbacks in the League

The intrigue around Darnold and his standing isn’t isolated to just Seattle. NFL teams are entering a period of intense quarterback questions as they prepare for the upcoming season. ESPN’s Dan Graziano reported on various quarterback situations across the league, noting the significance of these pivotal roles in shaping the teams’ fortunes. For instance, rookie quarterbacks like Caleb Williams are under considerable pressure to deliver immediately, while veterans like Kirk Cousins and Jimmy Garoppolo are navigating uncertain futures.

Ultimately, the Seahawks have made their intentions clear: they are committed to building around Darnold as he proves his mettle this season. The eyes of the NFL will be keenly watching how this quarterback saga unfolds in Seattle, especially with Milroe on the horizon. The path ahead may be filled with twists and turns, but with Darnold’s track record and the Seahawks‘ backing, there’s a good chance fans will enjoy what transpires on the field.

As the season draws closer, the interplay between established talents and fresh prospects lends an exciting backdrop to the unfolding drama of every NFL team. Be it Darnold’s explosive offensive capabilities or Milroe’s potential growth, the stage is set for a captivating year ahead.