In sunny Palm Beach, the Seattle Seahawks are in the midst of a significant overhaul in their offense. With the 2025 NFL draft just three weeks away, they’re making big moves, replacing their starting quarterback and two out of their top three receivers. Under the guidance of their new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, who has brought in a handpicked crew of assistants, they’re ready to embrace an entirely new scheme.
Coach Mike Macdonald was posed with an intriguing question at the annual league meetings: has the offense improved with these changes? “I think it’s different,” he shared. “We’ve got a long way to go. There are new faces, and we’re excited about the potential. This offseason is crucial for us to install our processes, avoid skipping steps, and ensure we’re connected as a team to hit the ground running in September. But with all these new elements, comparing to last year isn’t exactly straightforward.”
Initially, it looked like the Seahawks were just set for a minor refresh on offense. However, it quickly escalated to a full-blown rebuild when GM John Schneider orchestrated surprise trades, sending off both quarterback Geno Smith and star wide receiver DK Metcalf just days before free agency began. These moves came right after the anticipated release of long-time receiver Tyler Lockett. To fill these voids, Schneider brought in Sam Darnold, Cooper Kupp, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Looking at the big picture is key to understanding these changes. The incoming trio arguably doesn’t match the talent of the outgoing stars on paper. Over the past two years, Darnold played 14 fewer games than Smith but had a better touchdown-to-interception ratio and was slightly more off-target. Meanwhile, while Metcalf and Lockett combined for impressive stats, Kupp and Valdes-Scantling brought in lower numbers during the same period.
Yet, hope springs eternal for the Seahawks, despite what the numbers might suggest. They aim to leverage financial flexibility, enhance their scheme fits, and improve team culture with the additions they gained through trades.
Sam Darnold inked a three-year, $105.5 million deal, earning $37.5 million in 2025. Smith, feeling miffed over contract negotiations, headed to the Las Vegas Raiders for the 92nd overall draft selection. The Seahawks’ pivot to Darnold was somewhat inspired by his previous Pro Bowl season with the Minnesota Vikings and his history with Kubiak from their shared time at the San Francisco 49ers.
“You hear great things from all over about Darnold,” Macdonald remarked. “Everyone loves his leadership and team spirit. He’s got pinpoint accuracy, and he’s excellent at making plays on the move, especially in critical moments.”
The Metcalf situation was a bit more complex. The superstar requested a trade, leading the Seahawks to deal him to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second-round pick. There had been tensions brewing over the last few off-seasons, and Seattle wasn’t prepared to match the lucrative deal he got from Pittsburgh.
The reshaped offense now includes Kupp, who comes from Yakima, Washington, bringing him back to his roots with a favorable deal that appealed to him despite other competing offers. Valdes-Scantling, signed on a one-year deal, finds himself as the third receiver behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Kupp.
The Seahawks could still look for more talent early in the draft, but with Valdes-Scantling on board, they plan to use him as their deep threat. Formerly with the New Orleans Saints alongside Kubiak, he fits right in with Seattle’s vision.
The Seahawks’ offensive line, however, remains a work in progress. Missing out on a pricey veteran guard, they’ve explored more budget-friendly options. Still, nothing has come together just yet, although their confidence in current young players suggests patience rather than urgency.
Drafting talent for these positions will be challenging due to a perceived weakness in this year’s class. However, Schneider remains open to bringing in a veteran lineman post-draft if needed, perhaps one who becomes available as a salary cap casualty.
With five of the first 92 picks and a total of ten draft selections at their disposal, plus plenty of cap space, the Seahawks are well-positioned to continue their offensive transformation, whether through strategic drafting or savvy veteran acquisitions. Schneider and Macdonald have multiple tools at their disposal to create a squad that captures Seattle’s potential anew.
