The Seattle Seahawks already overhauled their quarterback room this offseason, but some are predicting a repeat performance in 2026. Seattle traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders and quickly pivoted to Sam Darnold in NFL free agency.
The Seahawks went on to pursue a reunion with Drew Lock and traded Sam Howell to the Minnesota Vikings. Yet, the quarterback move garnering the most attention for Seattle is the selection of former Alabama standout Jalen Milroe in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft.
Pro Football & Sports Network’s Mark Stolte has the Seahawks doubling down in the 2026 NFL draft. The analyst’s latest mock draft has Seattle selecting LSU signal-caller Garrett Nussmeier with the No. 10 overall pick.
“Garrett Nussmeier’s top trait is sack avoidance — something the Seattle Seahawks will value after a rough year with Sam Darnold behind a bad line,” Stolte wrote in a June 7, 2025, story titled, “3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Quarterbacks Go Early and Often as Drew Allar and Cade Klubnik Battle for QB1.” “Unlike his time in Minnesota, Darnold didn’t have elite receivers, protection, or play-calling to help him out. That’s why grabbing Nussmeier on a rookie deal matters.
“Aside from avoiding sacks, the Nuss Buss has great anticipation on throws. He can put zip on it and isn’t afraid to squeeze it into tight windows. Nussmeier ranked 11th in EPA last year on throws targeting the slot — great news for a team that has both Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.”
The Seahawks Signed Sam Darnold to a 3-Year, $100 Million Contract But Have Flexibility to Get Out of the Deal Sooner
A few notable things from this projection would need to come true for the move to have any chance of happening. Darnold signed a three-year, $100 million contract in March.
The numbers are slightly deceiving as Seattle can get out of the deal as soon as 2026 but would take a cap hit. Seattle also has an out in Darnold’s deal after two seasons, per Spotrac.
Drafting Nussmeier would indicate the Seahawks want to get out of the Darnold business sooner rather than later. Having a top-10 pick also shows the season did not go as planned. Additionally, it would also point to Milroe being utilized more in a Taysom Hill role than being considered as a traditional signal-caller.
LSU QB Garrett Nussmeier Has a Chance to Be the First Quarterback Selected in the 2026 NFL Draft
As for Nussmeier’s potential fit in Seattle, it is hard to argue with the Tigers star’s talent. Nussmeier is among the signal-callers being mentioned as potentially being the first quarterback selected in the 2026 NFL draft.
The LSU quarterback threw for 4,052 yards, 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 64.2% of his passes during 13 appearances in 2024. The Ringer’s Todd McShay sees some similarities between Nussmeier and Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield.
“Studying tape on Garrett Nussmeier in preparation for Thursday’s show (Summer Scouting Series continues),” McShay remarked in a May 20, message on X. “There are so many similarities to Baker Mayfield in his game. Couple bumps in the road but mostly a thrill ride!”
The Seahawks are hoping that Darnold thrives in Seattle after coming off a career best season with the Vikings. If Darnold can help make Seattle a legitimate threat in the NFC West, the thought of pursuing a touted quarterback like Nussmeier will be a thing of the past.
