Seahawks Will Replace Geno Smith with Jalen Milroe in 2025

Geno Smith had a shocking resurgence in 2022, where he threw for 4,282 yards, 30 touchdowns and 11 interceptions. Every year after has been a step down, and after a particularly rough 2024, conversations need to be had. With Smith set to become a free agent in 2026, it would make a ton of sense for the Seattle Seahawks to draft a quarterback. With Jalen Milroe projected to go in the middle of the first round, this would be a perfect fit to replace Smith.

This is a PREDICTION, not a REPORT

After Smith had his amazing 2022 season, things went downhill since. In 2023, Smith dropped down to 3,624 yards, 20 touchdowns and nine interceptions. It’s not great, but that’s not a bad season by any means. In his age-34 season, though, Smith looked terrible. Despite throwing for 4,320 yards, Smith couldn’t stop turning the ball over.

In 2024, Smith threw 15 interceptions, which was third in the NFL. That wasn’t offset by touchdowns either, as he only threw 21 of them. Despite going 10-7, the Seahawks missed the playoffs and a lot of that had to do with their quarterback play.

Since Smith is still under contract for 2025, I would expect him to serve as a bridge quarterback. It would make a ton of sense for the Seahawks to start Smith for the first half of the year before giving the reins to their rookie quarterback.

Drafting Jalen Milroe

Jalen Milroe is going to be one of the most polarizing names in the 2025 NFL Draft cycle due to his unbelievable traits. Milroe is 6’2”, 225 lbs, with amazing arm strength and unbelievable athleticism. The problem is that Milroe struggled heavily as a passer in 2024. After showing signs of promise in 2023 with 2,834 yards, 23 touchdowns and six interceptions, he took a step back in 2024. The following year, Milroe threw for 2,844 yards, 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions.

While Milroe may not be pro-ready in week one, he has the intangibles of a franchise quarterback. Giving him half of a season to learn under Smith before seeing what he’s made of would be a great fit.

The selection is also incredibly realistic for the Seahawks. With pick 18, the Seahawks can’t take Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders, but many expect Milroe to fall right into their lap. NFL Mock Draft Database has Milroe with a consensus rank of 18th overall for the NFL Draft. While it’s a bit of a risky pick, the upside is that the Seahawks get a superstar quarterback in the middle of the first round.