Seattle Seahawks' player under most pressure entering 2025 NFL season

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6 days ago

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The Seattle Seahawks have spent much of 2025 redefining themselves, from the sidelines to the starting lineup. Now entering year two under head coach Mike Macdonald, the team is coming off a respectable 10-7 campaign. But seismic roster changes and a bold pivot at quarterback have created a unique landscape of expectations, and uncertainty. No individual embodies that more than Sam Darnold, who, after a career resurgence in Minnesota, now stands as the single player under the most scrutiny in the Pacific Northwest.
Sam Darnold's Journey: From Bust to Savior?
Sam Darnold's NFL odyssey has taken him coast-to-coast, with each stop providing both glimpses of hope and flashes of frustration. Drafted third overall in 2018 by the New York Jets, Darnold endured an unsteady tenure marked by organizational turmoil, injuries, and unfulfilled promise. His subsequent move to Carolina produced little change in narrative: flashes of arm talent but more questions than answers.
It wasn't until last season, when thrust into the starting role with Minnesota, that Darnold delivered a defining campaign. With the Vikings, he posted 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, 12 interceptions, and a 102.5 passer rating while leading the team to a 14-3 record. The dramatic turnaround, combined with a market that still viewed him with skepticism, set the stage for a high-stakes reset in Seattle.
Why the Pressure Is on Darnold
So, why is Darnold, with a fresh start and playoff credentials, under the hottest spotlight in Seattle?
First and foremost, the nature of his arrival demands instant success. The Seahawks, in a span of months, moved on from both Geno Smith and iconic wide receiver DK Metcalf, signaled a philosophical shift, and handed the offense to Darnold on a three-year, $100.5 million deal, yet structured the contract so that they can easily move on after 2025 if things go sideways. He is, for all practical purposes, on a one-year audition.
Internally, there's added heat from a hungry rookie. Jalen Milroe, the dynamic third-round pick out of Alabama, is viewed as the quarterback of the future. General Manager John Schneider didn't mince words this offseason, publicly pressing Darnold to earn his long-term role and reminding him of the crowded QB room, one that also includes Drew Lock.
Supporting Cast vs. Last Season's Miracle Run
Last year in Minnesota, Darnold thrived behind a solid offensive line and with elite weapons, including Justin Jefferson. Seattle presents a very different reality. The receiving corp has undergone wholesale changes: Tyler Lockett is gone, Metcalf is gone, and Cooper Kupp, though talented, has been beset by injuries. That leaves rising third-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and veteran Kupp as the top targets, a group with potential, but unsettled chemistry and questions about durability.
The offensive line, too, has a fresh face in rookie first-round guard Grey Zabel. While the unit is packed with promise, it will need to gel quickly to keep Darnold upright and productive. An offense in flux provides Darnold little margin for error.
Beyond talent and supporting cast, Darnold will have to adapt to yet another new system, this time led by offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Success with Kevin O'Connell in Minnesota will not easily translate if the Seahawks staff and Darnold can't establish rhythm and chemistry early. The pressure to quickly master a new scheme is magnified by the team's lofty goals and the fan base's hunger for results.
Stakes for Darnold and Seattle
All eyes will be on Darnold, as the Seahawks' deal with him is both lucrative and essentially performance-based. None of the reported $100.5 million is guaranteed past this season. If Darnold struggles, Seattle could pivot to Jalen Milroe or Drew Lock, absorbing a $25.6 million cap hit but freeing themselves to reset once more. The financial commitment is big, but the leash could prove to be surprisingly short.
The nature of professional football means every quarterback is under the microscope, but Darnold's situation in Seattle is truly unique. After his career was labeled a flop, he spent the past year rewriting his story, only to enter a situation in Seattle that could again define his legacy. If he thrives, Darnold cements himself as a franchise quarterback, justifying both contract and faith. If not, the Seahawks face another fork in the road, and Darnold risks being remembered as a one-hit wonder rather than a reclamation success.
Sam Darnold's 2025 campaign is about proving last season was no fluke, adapting to a new city, scheme, and supporting cast under immense scrutiny. In a season where Seattle is searching for stability and a path back to NFC West glory, it's Darnold who will shoulder the greatest weight. Whether he delivers—or falters—will define not only his trajectory, but the Seahawks' fortunes for years to come.
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