The Seattle Seahawks are heading into their 50th NFL season with a fresh identity, a retooled roster, and a fan base eager to see if this team can break through after back-to-back years of playoff heartbreak.
It’s year two for head coach Mike Macdonald and a brand-new long-term deal for general manager John Schneider, who’s now locked in through 2030. The message is clear: this is the leadership duo tasked with building Seattle’s next contender—and they’ve wasted no time putting their stamp on the franchise.
Big Names Out, Big Names In
This offseason wasn’t about tinkering—it was about transformation. Franchise icons Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett are gone, replaced by a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers.
Seattle’s biggest headline move was signing Sam Darnold, fresh off a Pro Bowl season with Minnesota. Joining him is Oregon native and Super Bowl champion Cooper Kupp, along with pass-rush menace DeMarcus Lawrence. It’s a shake-up that signals Seattle is looking to win now, not later.
Quarterback Room: All Eyes on Darnold
Darnold comes to Seattle with the confidence of a career year behind him—but also with the weight of expectations. Behind him, rookie Jalen Milroe offers an intriguing long-term option, boasting electric athleticism and a rocket arm. Macdonald has made it clear: this is Darnold’s team, but Milroe’s development is a priority.
Offensive Line Youth Movement
The O-line might be the biggest question mark—and the biggest key to Seattle’s success. Anchored by left tackle Charles Cross (recovering from finger surgery), the group features young starters like Grey Zabel, Olu Oluwatimi, and Anthony Bradford. Their growth will determine whether the offense can protect Darnold and open lanes for the run game.
Defense: Mixing Experience with Energy
Macdonald’s defensive roots are all over this roster. Veteran Leonard Williams leads a unit bolstered by newcomers like Nick Emmanwori and a healthy Mike Morris. Add in the pass-rushing punch of DeMarcus Lawrence, and this could be one of the NFC’s more disruptive front sevens.
Training Camp Buzz
Fans at Football Fan Fest got their first real glimpse of the 2025 Seahawks in pads at Lumen Field. Lawrence dominated drills, Kupp looked crisp in his routes, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba continues to develop into a go-to threat. The energy was high, and the optimism even higher.
The Road Ahead
Seattle’s 2025 schedule is no cakewalk. The NFC West gauntlet remains brutal, and non-division games against the Steelers, Saints, and Vikings will test their mettle. Oddsmakers have set the over/under at 7.5 wins—but this is a team built to surprise.
Prediction: Overachievers in the Making
While the offensive line’s inexperience could lead to early stumbles, Darnold’s poise, Kupp’s reliability, and Lawrence’s defensive leadership give Seattle the tools to win close games. Expect a few upset victories—especially at home in the Lumen Field noise box.
Oregon Sports News Prediction: 9–8 record, wild card berth. Seattle won’t be NFC favorites, but they’ll be a team no one wants to face in January.
