Seahawks Shake Up the Roster: Sam Darnold Takes the Reins, Cooper Kupp Comes Home, and a New Era Begins in Seattle

The Seattle Seahawks have embarked on a transformative offseason, making significant roster changes that signal a new direction for the franchise. Key departures include quarterback Geno Smith, wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, while notable additions feature quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver Cooper Kupp. These moves aim to reshape the team’s offensive identity and address critical areas for improvement.

Departures: A New Era Begins

The Seahawks bid farewell to several cornerstone players:

• Geno Smith: The veteran quarterback was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2025 third-round draft pick. Smith’s tenure in Seattle saw a resurgence in his career, but the organization opted for a new direction under center. 

• DK Metcalf: The dynamic wide receiver was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 second-round pick. Metcalf’s combination of size and speed made him a formidable threat, and his departure leaves a significant void in the receiving corps.

• Tyler Lockett: After a decade with the team, Lockett was released. He ranks second in franchise history for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns, making his release a notable shift in the team’s offensive landscape.

Additions: Infusing New Talent

To counter these departures, the Seahawks have made strategic acquisitions:

• Sam Darnold: The quarterback signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract, bringing a fresh dynamic to Seattle’s offense. Darnold is coming off a career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings, where he threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and posted a passer rating of 102.5, earning his first Pro Bowl selection. 

• Cooper Kupp: The former Super Bowl MVP and Washington native returns to his home state, signing a three-year, $45 million deal. Kupp’s journey from Yakima, through Eastern Washington University in Cheney, to NFL stardom, adds a compelling narrative to his Seahawks tenure.

• DeMarcus Lawrence: The defensive end inked a three-year contract worth up to $42 million, aiming to bolster Seattle’s pass rush.

Sam Darnold’s Resurgence

Darnold’s arrival is particularly intriguing. After early struggles in his career, his 2024 season with the Vikings marked a significant turnaround. He led Minnesota to a 14-3 record, showcasing improved decision-making and leadership. His familiarity with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, from their time in San Francisco, suggests a seamless integration into Seattle’s system. 

Cooper Kupp’s Homecoming

Kupp’s signing not only fills the void left by departing receivers but also brings a local hero back to Washington. His precise route-running and reliable hands make him an ideal target for Darnold, potentially revitalizing Seattle’s aerial attack. 

Addressing the Offensive Line

Despite these additions, the offensive line remains an area needing improvement. The Seahawks are reportedly eyeing top prospects in the upcoming draft, including Kelvin Banks from Texas and Josh Simmons from Ohio State, to fortify their protection schemes.

Looking Ahead

The Seahawks’ offseason moves reflect a bold strategy to retool and remain competitive. The success of these changes hinges on the seamless integration of new talent and addressing remaining roster gaps, particularly on the offensive line. As the 2025 season approaches, Seattle fans have reasons for cautious optimism, anticipating how these strategic decisions will unfold on the field.