Seattle coach voicees strong opinions on the 'bizarre' quarterback situation surrounding Sam Darnold following an expensive practice exhibition, featuring a top-dollar player's subpar performance.
Artery-Beating Banter: Seahawks' Sam Darnold is Still Top QB, Coach Declares
Living the hawk life isn't about second-guessing—at least, that's what the Seattle Seahawks' coach Mike Macdonald is preaching. While the tick-tock of turbulence is audible, Macdonald ensures the Seahawks' $100 million quarterback sensation, Sam Darnold, isn't the one splitting the starting duties anytime soon.
Addressing Seattle Sports 710-AM, Macdonald played down the potential quarterback controversy brewing within the team. "Nah, c'mon now, you guys are going off the deep end," he said in response to inquiries about Darnold's job security, as reported by ESPN. "I appreciate you've gotta ask it, but it's a mind-boggling question. It's just not gonna happen."
The 37-year-old coach made it abundantly clear: Sam Darnold's beginning anew in the Pacific Northwest means wearing the QB1 jersey.
Responding to media hullaballoo surrounding the Seahawks' OTA rollercoaster, during which, Darnold threw two interceptions, Macdonald made it crystal clear that the panic button shouldn't be pushed just yet. "Consider it blasphemy to think you're the worst player of all time for a botched throw or screwup," he asserted. "That's not our ethos. We want these guys to get ready the right way, and when they climb onto the field, give it their all. Once we take a look at it, we'll refine it. We've got time. It's only early June, and the season kicker is still months away."
For the uninformed, 27-year-old Darnold joined the Seahawks on a three-year $100.5 million contract following an exceptional season with the Vikings, during which he slung 35 touchdowns and encouraged a respectable 12 interceptions, resulting in Minnesota making the playoffs for the first time since 2018. However, the QB faltered in the wild-card round, ending Minnesota’s campaign amid a thumping 27-9 loss to the Rams, during which Darnold threw a single touchdown, picked off once, and got sacked a whopping nine times.
Now that the Seahawks have placed their faith in Darnold, the team is moving on from Geno Smith, who got traded to the Raiders in March after a disappointing post-playoff stint. Although Seattle's heart'set on Darnold, the franchise has opted to insulate itself financially by retaining a $37.5 million break clause in the deal, empowering them to dissolve the contract should the need arise.
But fear not, backup quarterback Drew Lock is on the Seahawks' team roster, having returned after a tenure with the Giants, and rookie Jalen Milroe, picked in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft out of Alabama, also offers a cushion of protection. Come September 7, when the Seahawks are matched up against the Niners in their season opener, expect the skies over Seattle to be as thrilling as ever.
Does Seattle Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold thrive in the Pacific Northwest? Share your thoughts below!
Regardless of the OTA blunders, Seattle Seahawks' coach Mike Macdonald asserts that Sam Darnold's position as the starting quarterback remains secure, dismissing any rumors of a quarterback controversy.
In the upcoming NFL season, American football enthusiasts in the Pacific Northwest can look forward to watching Sam Darnold play for the Seahawks, following the team's faith in him, signing him to a lucrative contract and releasing Geno Smith to make room for Darnold.
