Seattle Seahawks News - Sportsnaut

Former All-Pro receiver linked to Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks

Andrew Buller-Russ — Wed, 12 Mar 2025 18:51:38 +0000

Joe Nicholson-Imagn ImagesJoe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks entered last season expecting to make the playoffs. Yet, while the Packers won 11 games and the Seahawks won 10, only Green Bay reached the postseason, but they didn’t get far after being eliminated in the Wild Card Round.

Now, both teams are doing their best to try strengthening their roster in anticipation of another playoff run. The Seahawks have already been busy drastically transforming their roster, and the Packers have made several changes too. Now, the two teams could be competing to land the same former All-Pro talent.

Cooper Kupp drawing interest from Green Bay Packers; Seattle Seahawks could fit too

Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

After trying to find a trade partner for the past month, the Los Angeles Rams finally released former All-Pro receiver on Wednesday at the start of the new league year. Kupp is free to sign with any team he desires, and there are two that are already viewed as leading candidates.

NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah believes “Seattle would be a great fit” for Kupp. Meanwhile, the 33rd Team’s Ari Meirov says the Packers “are among several teams who have been eyeing” Kupp’s market.

Now that he’s a free agent instead of a trade candidate, Kupp shouldn’t have any trouble finding a new team. Set to turn 32 in June, Kupp’s biggest impediment has been his inability to stay healthy. The former Rams receiver hasn’t played in more than 12 games since 2021 and has just one 1,000-yard season on his resume.

However, if Kupp lands in the right spot, with a high-powered passing attack, he just might be able to help a contending team compete for another Super Bowl.

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NFL insider suggests Seattle Seahawks swapping Geno Smith for Sam Darnold was a terrible move

Jason Burgos — Tue, 11 Mar 2025 16:51:11 +0000

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The assumption has been that the Seattle Seahawks got better by trading Geno Smith and signing Sam Darnold. However, one NFL insider believes it was a terrible change at quarterback for the ‘Hawks.

This has been a very busy last week for the Seattle Seahawks. Last week, rumors became a reality when the team surprised many NFL observers by shipping off starting QB Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Many wondered what the franchise would do to replace him. Well, that reveal only took a few days as they made a huge splash in free agency by signing the top QB on the market, Sam Darnold.

Geno Smith stats (2024): 4,320 passing yards, 21 touchdowns, 15 interceptions, 93.2 passer rating

It was only just a few seasons ago that Smith was one of the best stories in the NFL as he won Comeback Player of the Year and Pro Bowl honors for the first time. Yet, another Pro Bowl appearance (in 2023) and a 10-win season in 2024 was not enough for Seattle. Instead, they brought in this past season’s version of Smith in Darnold. A man who led the Minnesota Vikings to 14 wins.

On paper, it seems the Seahawks upgraded the position. But veteran NFL insider Gregg Rosenthal seems to think they got worse in the swap.

Did the Seattle Seahawks get worse by swapping Geno Smith for Sam Darnold?

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“On paper, you look at the contract and it’s very similar to the one that Baker Mayfield got a couple of years ago,” Rosenthal said on NFL Network. “It does make sense in some ways. He’s much younger — by seven years. He’s cheaper. You look at Klint Kubiak’s offense. That type of system Darnold thrived in a year ago. It all makes sense. But one thing they haven’t thought about is Geno Smith is better at football.

“So, when he throws the ball, it goes exactly where he wants it to go. Before the play starts, Geno Smith gets a picture in his head, and after the play starts, he has an even clearer picture. And he is very smart at understanding what is happening out there. I question whether Sam Darnold does that as well,” he added. “For Seattle, in a vacuum, it makes sense. But we don’t live in a vacuum. Geno Smith is better.”

Sam Darnold stats (2024): 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, 102.5 passer rating

Both Smith and Darnold were viewed as draft busts until their breakout seasons. However, the former has turned the corner in his career and is still just 27 years old. He did work with a QB guru in Kevin O’Connell last season. And got to throw to, arguably, the game’s best receiver — Justin Jefferson.

There are certainly risks in the move. But it is one the Seattle Seahawks thought they needed to take.

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Sam Darnold signs $100 million contract in NFL free agency

Andrew Buller-Russ — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 18:37:29 +0000

Matt Krohn-Imagn ImagesMatt Krohn-Imagn Images

The Minnesota Vikings will have a new starting quarterback in 2025. Sam Darnold, after a career-best Pro Bowl season where he ranked in the top five in passing yardage and touchdowns, is moving on to his fifth NFL team. But for the first time, he’s joining a team where he’s immediately becoming a starter.

So, which team is Darnold joining?

Seattle Seahawks sign Sam Darnold to contract worth over $100 million

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Hours after NFL free agency began, the Seattle Seahawks agreed to terms on a three-year, $100.5 million contract with $55 million guaranteed. According to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport, Darnold will earn $37.5 million in the first season of the deal.

Darnold does have some level of comfort by heading to Seattle where he’ll reunite with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, whom he worked with in his lone season with the San Francisco 49ers prior to joining the Vikings in 2024.

Darnold won’t turn 28 until June, giving the Seahawks a franchise quarterback for years to come. They even reportedly offered Geno Smith, who’s 34, a similar contract extension, but the now-Raiders quarterback turned it down.

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Seattle Seahawks ‘chatter’ points to trade for current NFL starting QB, possibly this former No. 1 pick

Andrew Buller-Russ — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 17:13:28 +0000

Jeff Hanisch-Imagn ImagesJeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks provided the shock of the offseason by trading Geno Smith, a two-time Pro Bowl quarterback, to the Las Vegas Raiders for just a third round pick. They’ve also cut bait with veteran receiver Tyler Lockett and traded DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a second-round pick.

They’re collecting draft assets and clearing cap space, but for what? What’s the Seahawks’ plan?

Many assumed they were targeting Sam Darnold as their next starting QB and that may very well be true, but now it sounds like Seattle could be monitoring another trade for their next quarterback.

Trevor Lawrence is a ‘name to watch’ to become next Seattle Seahawks QB

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There’s no debating that the Seattle Seahawks have something up their sleeves regarding the quarterback position. They wouldn’t have traded Geno Smith without something in the works.

It could be as simple as signing Sam Darnold, but a lot has happened since Smith got traded, including the Seahawks shipping DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh. Picking from all the options available, including potentially the Steelers, would Darnold prefer to play in Seattle above all else?

Another option, according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, may be to trade for Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. It seems farfetched for the No. 1 pick of the 2021 NFL Draft to be traded already, especially when the Jaguars don’t have a capable starter ready to take over, yet Florio’s hearing some “chatter” in league circles.

“Currently, there’s chatter in some league circles that the plan could include making a run at making a trade. The name to watch is Trevor Lawrence. Here’s one last nugget. When a report emerged last month that the Steelers had called the Jaguars about Lawrence, we were told that it wasn’t the Steelers who had called. It was the Seahawks.”
PFT’s Mike Florio on Trevor Lawrence to the Seattle Seahawks

A trade for Lawrence could help make sense of why the Seahawks are clearing so much cap space by moving on from Geno, Lockett, and Metcalf. Lawrence has an average salary of $55 million. It would also explain why they’re collecting extra draft picks.

Yet, what would the Jaguars then do? One would think any trade for Lawrence would have to happen pretty quickly to allow both teams to pivot to their next move at quarterback.

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Seattle Seahawks expected to reach out to former NFL MVP quarterback

Andrew Buller-Russ — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 22:33:43 +0000

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Earlier this week, the Seattle Seahawks shocked the world with a blockbuster trade, sending Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. But now the Seahawks need a new starting quarterback in time for the 2025 season to kick off.

One popular pick has the Seahawks signing top NFL free agent QB Sam Darnold this offseason. Yet, now it sounds like the Seahawks could look in another direction for their next QB.

Seattle Seahawks expected to talk to Aaron Rodgers about QB vacancy

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The Seattle Seahawks will have to find a competent quarterback in 2025. While many assume they will turn to another potential franchise quarterback like Sam Darnold, the 2024 Pro Bowl QB may ultimately sign a contract elsewhere.

If so, the Seahawks have to be prepared to pivot to other options. One may even be future Hall of Famer Aaron Rodgers.

According to The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini, the Seahawks are ready to reach out to Rodgers in NFL free agency.

“The Seahawks are expected to talk with Aaron Rodgers about their QB vacancy, per source. Rodgers is free to meet with interested teams as the QB carousel continues to spin on the eve of free agency.”
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini on Aaron Rodgers/Seattle Seahawks

If Rodgers is willing to sign for a discounted rate, the Seahawks could be buying low on a player who has a huge chip on his shoulders. The four-time NFL MVP wasn’t successful with the Jets, but a new change of scenery could lead to more positive results in Seattle.

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Seattle Seahawks lower DK Metcalf trade asking price as Pro Bowl WR’s trade preferences surface

Andrew Buller-Russ — Sun, 09 Mar 2025 17:31:33 +0000

Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn ImagesMark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks have already been busy this offseason, trading starting quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick and releasing Tyler Lockett. They’ve also been dealing with DK Metcalf’s trade request.

Shortly after Metcalf’s trade demand surfaced, reports emerged of the Seahawks reportedly asking for a first and a third-round pick in exchange for the two-time Pro Bowl receiver. He’ll also need a new contract since he’s set to enter the final year of his deal. That’s a lot to give up, even for a potential No. 1 receiver.

Yet, after the Seahawks couldn’t get anyone to bite at their initial ask, Seattle is reducing their price.

Seattle Seahawks now only asking for a second-round pick in DK Metcalf trade

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DK Metcalf hasn’t even been on the trade block for a week, but the Seattle Seahawks have already been able to gauge his market while discussing potential deals with other teams. After holding those negotiations, it appears the Seahawks haven’t liked what they’ve heard.

Now, according to The Athletic’s NFL insider Dianna Russini, the Seahawks have reduced their Metcalf trade asking price to a second-round pick. But the Oxford, Mississippi native would also like to play in a warmer climate.

“The Seahawks’ asking price for WR DK Metcalf has lowered, per sources. Seattle would be open to a return centered around a second-round pick for the two-time Pro Bowl receiver. Metcalf ideally wants to play in a warm weather climate and is looking to make $30m per year.”
Dianna Russini on DK Metcalf

It’s unknown just how badly Metcalf wants to play in a warm climate, but he may have to budge on his preferences depending on which teams offer a strong trade offer for Seattle and an enticing contract for Metcalf.

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NFL rumors identify overwhelming favorite to sign Sam Darnold to huge contract in free agency

Matt Johnson — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 22:50:43 +0000

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Sam Darnold is the best quarterback available in NFL free agency, with added value with the crop of passers in the 2025 NFL Draft weaker than usual. With numerous teams in the NFL quarterback carousel, one club has emerged as the overwhelming favorite for Darnold.

The general consensus on where Darnold lands has changed considerably within a week. At the NFL Combine, there was speculation that the Pro Bowl quarterback could sign with the Las Vegas Raiders or New York Giants. Days later, a return to the Minnesota Vikings became increasingly likely.

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

Then, the Raiders addressed their vacancy with the Geno Smith trade. Meanwhile, New York seems to be focused on Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson while weighing the cost of moving up for the No. 1 pick. As a result, a new favorite has emerged in the eyes of many around the league.

According to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, decision-makers around the NFL fully expect Darnold to sign a multi-year contract with the Seattle Seahawks.

Related: 4 teams linked to Sam Darnold

There’s mutual interest between the two sides and while the legal tampering period ahead of NFL free agency hasn’t started, clubs do find ways to negotiate contract parameters behind the scenes. Before trading Smith, Seattle reportedly made him a three-year extension offer north of $35 million per season. It stands to reason that a similar caliber of offer could be made to Darnold.

The total guarantees are likely something the Vikings aren’t willing to match, especially if the Seahawks offer is closer to $40 million per season. There have also been NFL rumors that Seattle is hoping that signing Darnold would convince DK Metcalf to back off his trade request.

If Darnold signs with the Seahawks, he would be reuniting with Klint Kubiak. The duo worked together with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, where Kubiak served as passing game coordinator. He was hired as the Seahawks offensive coordinator earlier this offseason.

As for the Vikings, they would likely receive a third-round compensatory pick in the 2026 NFL Draft if Darnold signs a lucrative contract with Seattle. Minnesota has already pivoted to finding a replacement for Darnold, wanting a veteran to challenge J.J. McCarthy for the starting job in 2025.

Also Read:: 2025 NFL mock draft: Projecting first round of 2025 NFL Draft with trades, including DK Metcalf

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NFL expert names heavy favorite to pull off DK Metcalf trade this offseason

Matt Johnson — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 21:03:48 +0000

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Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf requested a trade before the team sent quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. While Seattle is still hopeful it can convince Metcalf to stay, there’s a clear trade market emerging for the Pro Bowl wide receiver.

Metcalf, a two-time Pro Bowl selection, is just entering his prime having turned 27 years old in December. The 6-foot-4 wideout is seeking a new contract, a multi-year extension worth $30-plus million annually that would make him one of the highest-paid players at his position.

DK Metcalf contract (Spotrac): $31.875 million cap hit, $18 million base salary in 2025

While NFL rumors surfaced on Saturday that the Seahawks front office is hopeful that signing Sam Darnold might convince Metcalf to stay, the All-Pro wideout still has permission to explore other options. In the days since making his trade request, a robust market has emerged.

The Green Bay Packers, Los Angeles Chargers, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders and Carolina Panthers have all been linked to Metcalf. As of now, though, many around the league seem to share the same belief regarding what team will come out on top of a bidding war for him.

During a Friday appearance on The Pat McAfee Show, Daniel Jeremiah of NFL.com shared that many around the league believe Metcalf will be traded to the New England Patriots ahead of the 2025 NFL Draft.

“Everybody in the league thinks that DK Metcalf is going to New England. DK becomes available and you just talk to a bunch of buddies around the league. They’re like, ‘This just makes too much sense. They have all the money. They have all the space. They need a weapon.’ What are they picking, 38 or something like that? So second-round pick for DK Metcalf.”
Daniel Jeremiah on the buzz inside the NFL connecting DK Metcalf to the New England Patriots

Related: DK Metcalf trade landing spots

DK Metcalf stats (ESPN): 66 receptions, 992 receiving yards, 5 touchdowns in 15 games

New England wanted to sign Tee Higgins in NFL free agency, but he received the franchise tag from the Cincinnati Bengals for the second consecutive year. Chris Godwin is a pending free agent, but the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are adamant about signing him and few inside the Patriots’ organization think they can land him.

With more than $120 million in cap space, New England has the money to make Metcalf one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. Furthermore, the team feels confident it has a franchise-caliber quarterback in Drake Maye who would be appealing to Metcalf.

While the Patriots aren’t viewed as a contender right now, something Metcalf wants, money goes a long way. New England could also convince the 27-year-old that they are close to a turnaround, which he could be a part of while getting paid like one of the best offensive weapons in football. If the Seahawks ultimately trade Metcalf, the odds are strongly in the Patriots’ favor to land him.

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NFL rumors: Seattle Seahawks initially wanted franchise-altering swap in Geno Smith trade to Las Vegas Raiders

Matt Higgins — Sat, 08 Mar 2025 16:26:54 +0000

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The NFL world was rocked Friday night after the Seattle Seahawks surprisingly traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2025 third-round draft pick.

Smith resurrected his career in Seattle while new Raiders head coach Pete Carroll was still leading the Seahawks’ sideline. The veteran signal-caller blossomed into a two-time Pro Bowler and captured the Comeback Player of the Year award in 2022 under Carroll’s guidance.

Smith is coming off a 2024 season where he posted career-highs in passing yards (4,320) and completion percentage (70.4%), while tossing 21 touchdowns. However, he also threw 15 interceptions (third-most in the NFL) and recorded his lowest QBR (53.8) in three years as Seattle’s starter.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Seahawks were working to extend Smith, who enters the final year of his three-year, $75 million contract. When extension talks stalled, the Raiders and Seahawks struck a deal that significantly upgrades Las Vegas’ quarterback situation.

Back story: Seahawks were working to extend Geno Smith’s contract over the past week. When progress was not being made, the Raiders stepped in and showed interest in acquiring Smith. With Seattle struggling to get a new deal done with Smith, they opted for the third-round pick…
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 8, 2025

The Raiders limped to a 4-13 finish last season while cycling through a quarterback carousel of Aidan O’Connell, Gardner Minshew, and Desmond Ridder. The team had previously announced they were releasing Minshew before landing Smith.

With the trade now complete, an NFL insider has revealed what the Seahawks initially wanted in their trade talks for Smith.

NFL insider reveals bold trade package Seattle Seahawks proposed to Las Vegas Raiders

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According to Sports Illustrated’s NFL insider Albert Breer, the Seahawks swung for the fences in their initial Smith trade proposal.

“The Seahawks opened trade discussions with the Raiders with this blockbuster proposal—Geno Smith and DK Metcalf to Vegas for Maxx Crosby. Vegas QUICKLY shot that down, and told Seattle that Crosby was not available,” Breer posted on X.

The Seahawks opened trade discussions with the Raiders with this blockbuster proposal—Geno Smith and DK Metcalf to Vegas for Maxx Crosby. Vegas QUICKLY shot that down, and told Seattle that Crosby was not available.

But talks continued, and led to Geno becoming a Raider.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) March 8, 2025

The Raiders refused to part with their franchise cornerstone in Crosby, who recently signed a three-year, $106.5 million contract extension with $91 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history.

Meanwhile, Metcalf had already requested a trade from the Seahawks before they dealt Smith. Seattle’s front office was reportedly upset with the star wide receiver for making his announcement on the same day the franchise released fan favorite Tyler Lockett.

With Smith now headed to Vegas, the Seahawks are rumored to be targeting Sam Darnold as their next quarterback, a move that could cost them up to $40 million per year.

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NFL insiders hint at potential Geno Smith trade, top Seattle Seahawks starting QB replacement

Matt Johnson — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 15:25:46 +0000

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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.

Also Read:: Predicting landing spots for top NFL free agent QBs 2025, from Aaron Rodgers to Sam Darnold

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