The Seattle Seahawks have been anything but quiet this offseason, starting with the surprise $100.5 million deal handed to Sam Darnold and continuing with some cryptic comments from general manager John Schneider about the 2025 quarterback class. Now, all eyes are on what the Seahawks will do with their 10 picks in this year’s NFL Draft — and whether or not another quarterback will be coming to compete with Darnold.
Speaking on Friday, Schneider made a point to challenge the narrative that this year’s draft class lacks quarterback talent. His message? Be careful.
“I’d be careful when you hear people say this isn’t a great draft,” Schneider said via the team’s official site. “It depends on the team, the player, the quarterback, how you’re going to acquire him… we need more answers… based on the questions that we need answered in terms of the vision we see for this player and the fit.”
On the surface, it sounds like a generic scouting evaluation. But for a team that just brought in Darnold while also rostering Drew Lock and Sam Howell, Schneider’s comments are raising eyebrows.
There are three possibilities here: Seattle genuinely believes there’s a gem in this year’s QB class worth grooming behind Darnold; they’re posturing to mask their real draft strategy; or Schneider is simply offering a general perspective. But considering how tight-lipped Seattle tends to be with its true intentions, it wouldn’t be a shock if a quarterback is on their radar — especially given how much draft capital they’ve acquired.
The Seahawks currently hold the 18th overall pick, a prime spot for a team on the fence about drafting a quarterback. Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders — a raw but talented prospect with a powerful arm and massive upside — could be available. If Seattle sees Darnold as a stopgap rather than the long-term guy, Sanders could be an ideal developmental project.
And if not Sanders in the first round? The Seahawks have extra second- and third-round picks thanks to the trades of Geno Smith and DK Metcalf. With names like Jaxson Dart (Ole Miss), Jalen Milroe (Alabama), and Tyler Shough (Louisville) potentially available on day two, Schneider and new head coach Mike Macdonald have options.
Macdonald, a defensive-minded coach, might prefer to build out the roster around Darnold and keep his offense steady in the short term. But adding a young QB to develop behind Darnold — a player who’s struggled with consistency throughout his career — could be the smartest long-term move.
The Seahawks have a real opportunity to reshape their identity. Whether that starts with another quarterback remains to be seen, but Schneider’s words leave the door open — and all eyes will be on Seattle come April 24.
