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Brady Henderson
SEATTLE – On June 3, 2025, head coach Mike Macdonald put to rest any doubts regarding the starting quarterback role for the Seattle Seahawks, firmly stating that Sam Darnold would lead the team as long as he remains healthy.
During a discussion on Seattle Sports 710-AM, Macdonald dismissed questions regarding Darnold’s status in light of any potential competition. “No, you guys are crazy,” he remarked. “I get that you’re asking, but it’s really not a question worth considering. Sam is our starting quarterback. We have full confidence in him, and he’s doing an outstanding job.”
This assertion came just a day after Darnold’s performance in the Seahawks’ recent OTA, which reporters attended for the first time. While he faced challenges, including two interceptions in a short span during red-zone drills, he also had moments of success, particularly near the goal line.
Macdonald acknowledged the inevitable mistakes at this stage of the offseason program, emphasizing the need for growth. “It’s too early in the offseason for anyone to be labeled a poor player based on one bad throw or decision,” he stated. “We want our players to practice aggressively, learn from errors, and adjust. We’ve got plenty of time to refine our game plans.”
Darnold, now 27, is coming off a Pro Bowl season with the Minnesota Vikings, who opted not to re-sign him as they pivoted to last year’s No. 10 draft pick, J.J. McCarthy. After leading Minnesota to a stellar 14-3 record, the Seahawks signed Darnold to a lucrative three-year contract worth $100.5 million, following a trade that sent Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. The Seahawks also drafted Jalen Milroe in the third round while trading Sam Howell to the Vikings, resulting in a competitive quarterback lineup that includes veteran Drew Lock.
Macdonald has clarified the role for Milroe, indicating he will see some plays in specialized packages, with Darnold expected to handle over 90% of the snaps.
The current quarterback situation for Seattle has been compared to the 2012 season when Russell Wilson emerged as a rookie starter despite the Seahawks signing Matt Flynn as a presumed starter. However, it’s essential to note that Flynn’s average annual salary of $6.5 million is substantially lower than Darnold’s $33.5 million, particularly when considering the current salary cap landscape.