Sam Darnold’s Stellar Play Disrupts Seahawks’ Plans for Jalen Milroe
The Seattle Seahawks entered the season with aspirations of developing rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe as their future under center. However, Sam Darnold’s remarkable performance has thrown a wrench into those plans, raising questions about Milroe’s immediate future with the franchise.
Seahawks’ Shift in Direction
Initially, the Seahawks envisioned a seamless transition from Geno Smith to Milroe, believing the rookie would eventually take the reins. But with Darnold showcasing one of the finest quarterback seasons in franchise history, Milroe finds himself waiting in the wings, unable to make his NFL debut.
Selected 92nd overall in the 2024 draft, Milroe has yet to throw a pass in a regular-season game. While he has been involved in offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s creative game plans, his contributions have been minimal: three rushing attempts netted him just four yards, accompanied by a fumble that proved costly in a close loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5.
Darnold’s Unexpected Dominance
Despite his reputation as a journeyman quarterback—having played for five teams in eight years—Darnold is still only 28 years old, and his contract runs through 2027. At his current level of play, he represents one of the NFL’s most favorable quarterback bargains.
Darnold has had his share of mistakes, including a fumble against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 and a crucial interception that sealed a defeat against the Buccaneers. However, he has also proven to be a top-tier quarterback this season, ranking among the league’s best and significantly contributing to the development of rookie receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba into a standout player.
Milroe’s Future in Question
As Darnold continues to perform at an elite level, the wait for Milroe to take the field could extend longer than anticipated. General manager John Schneider may have envisioned a year for Milroe to learn from the sidelines, but with Darnold thriving, the rookie’s path to becoming the starter is clouded.
While the Seahawks initially believed they were securing their quarterback of the future in Milroe, it appears that they may have already found that talent in Darnold. As the season progresses, all eyes will be on how the team navigates this unexpected twist in their quarterback situation.
