The Seattle Seahawks released wide receiver Tyler Lockett and are now allowing All-Pro wideout DK Metcalf to explore a trade. With two fan-favorites potentially headed out the door, there are now NFL rumors circulating about a change with the starting quarterback.
Geno Smith has been the Seahawks starting quarterback for the last three seasons. During that three-year run, he’s recorded a 27-22 record with one of the highest completion rates in the NFL despite playing behind one of the worst offensive lines in football. Entering a contract year, there have been mixed reports about his future with the team.
- Geno Smith stats (ESPN): 4,320 passing yards, 21-15 TD-INT, 70.4% completion rate, 93.2 QB rating
Seahawks’ reporter Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athletic previously reported that the team wants to select a quarterback in the 2025 NFL Draft. Before that report, head coach Mike Macdonald said in January that “Got no reason to say no, so I guess yeah” regarding Smith returning in 2025. Now, many around the league are starting to believe a change is coming.
Senior NFL writer Charles Robinson of Yahoo Sports spoke to multiple league sources who believe that Seattle could trade Smith this offseason. Furthermore, on the first episode of the 40s and Free Agents podcast, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com said the timing could be right for the Seahawks to trade Smith.
Both Jeremiah and Robinson also highlighted the same potential replacement, Sam Darnold, to take over as the Seahawks starting quarterback in 2025. Seattle would have to make a decision quickly, with NFL free agency starting on March 12, but many around the league believe Darnold could be an option for them.
- Sam Darnold stats 2024 (ESPN): 4,319 passing yards, 35-12 TD-INT, 66.2% completion rate, 7.9 yards per attempt, 102.5 QB rating, 212 rushing yards, 1 TD
Trading Smith would provide the Seahawks front office with additional draft picks to restock the roster, building a younger foundation to build the team around. Meanwhile, Darnold is only expected to land a multi-year contract where the first two years are guaranteed in a structure similar to the Daniel Jones contract done by the New York Giants.
It’s worth noting that Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak was the San Francisco 49ers passing game coordinator in 2023, when Darnold was the team’s backup quarterback. Darnold’s familiarity with Kubiak and his short-term fit in the system could theoretically allow Seattle to ‘retool’ it’s roster while remaining competitive in 2025.
