⁠The Seattle Seahawks have parted ways with several defining players in their franchise. However, they are not in the process of rebuilding.

The Seattle Seahawks are simply not a team in the process of rebuilding – or wanting to be! They have always been like that.

Even when defensive superstars Michael Bennett and Richard Sherman left the team in 2018, it was not in the process of rebuilding.

When star quarterback Russell Wilson and defensive icon Bobby Wagner left the franchise in 2022, it was not in the process of rebuilding.

And when quarterback Geno Smith and the franchise’s wide receiver faces, DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, left the team a few days ago? Even now, the Seattle Seahawks are not in the rebuild!

Weak quarterback situation on the market

So why Darnold instead of Smith? For one thing, because the former Jets, Panthers, 49ers and Vikings quarterback, at 27, is significantly younger than Smith, 34. On the other hand, because the franchise, in the person of general manager John Schneider, does not see the future of the franchise in Smith after all. And he would probably have been more expensive than Darnold.

So what do you do in a year when the quarterback class in free agency and the draft is rather difficult to assess? You go with the best transitional solution – and that’s Sam Darnold.

On offense, they also lose Tyler Lockett, a 32-year-old receiver who is probably past his peak and caught just 600 passing yards and two touchdowns last year.

They get a second-round pick to compensate for the departure of DK Metcalf – which the franchise could put to good use in the 2025 draft.

Seahawks well positioned in the draft

A first-round pick (18), two second-round picks (50 & 52) and, through the Smith trade, two third-round picks (82 & 92). Good capital for the franchise to select a replacement for Metcalf in the draft – especially since the receiver class is considered decent this year.

And the defense, which is already more than decent, could be upgraded again through the draft. Especially since the 2025 vintage is characterized by elite defensive linemen like never before.

Where the Seahawks stand in 2025 (and in the near future) probably depends on Darnold’s performance. The bookmakers are positive. The betting odds on the Super Bowl victory rose significantly as a result of his signing. From +8000 to +5000.

Another sign that this franchise is certainly not in a rebuild.