Lightning struck Seattle’s offseason when the Seahawks scooped up Sam Darnold on a three‑year, $100.5 million deal. A fresh face in a revamped offense. A rookie phenomenon, Jalen Milroe, hot off Alabama’s campus. And atop it all, Seattle Seahawks GM hopped on The Rich Eisen Show Thursday, dropping a bomb: warning signs for Darnold are sky‑high. Suddenly, the quarterback room feels like a pressure cooker. Almost…Now, before you hit the “What went wrong?” button, let’s rewind. 

Sam Darnold arrived in the NFL as a golden child—third overall pick in 2018, heir to the Sam Bradford/Johnny Manziel hype train. Yet flashes of brilliance were met with injury setbacks and locker‑room whispers. His journey has fractured faith more than once, from New York’s glare to Carolina’s patience. Stepping in as the starting quarterback after rookie J.J. McCarthy‘s preseason injury, Darnold delivered impressive statistics: 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 102.5 over 17 games. This Seattle chapter? 

It’s not just another contract. It’s redemption on the horizon, and every throw carries the weight of a storied past. On X, Seahawks’ GM John Schneider didn’t mince words: “Yeah, very hot, very high … he just keeps making really cool progress every year,” he told the Rich Eisen Show’s reporter, teasing Sam Darnold’s comfort in established systems and lauding him as a “great human, great competitor.” That vote of confidence is built on more than warm wishes. Darnold’s performance earned him Pro Bowl honors and the Pro Football Writers Association’s Most Improved Player award. 

Notably, he set a Vikings franchise record for the most games with a passer rating over 100 in a single season, achieving this feat in 13 games. It’s clear that while Schneider is excited about Jalen Milroe’s upside, he’s placing significant trust—and expectations—on Sam Darnold’s shoulders heading into the 2025 season. “Excited to get him in the building, as well as bringing Drew Lock back.” Schneider’s reference to Lock isn’t a deflection — it’s a sign the team wants healthy QB competition, but not at the expense of stability. The team expects Darnold to lead, with the right voices supporting him.

The Seahawks can void Sam Darnold’s contract after one season, guaranteeing only $37.5 million as a strategic safety net if he stumbles. Such a structure underscores Seattle’s demand: deliver and deliver fast. Early OTAs have offered hints. Sam Darnold flashed his trademark poise, praising “the people, first and foremost” and calling Seattle “definitely one of the good organizations.” His rapport with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak—architect of his breakout in Minnesota—could be the X‑factor. But every rep matters when the leash is this short. 

Under pressure: Can Sam Darnold outshine Milroe before the future takes over?

Across the locker room, players are whispering Jalen Milroe’s name with awe. Evaluators dubbed him the draft’s “lottery ticket”—hit, and you’ve struck gold; miss, and the prize slips away. Schneider nodded to that ceiling yet tempered expectations: “It takes a lot of time for these guys to develop… getting him in a system where he can be comfortable.” Milroe’s final year at Alabama was nothing short of explosive. He threw for over 2,800 yards with 16 passing touchdowns and added a staggering 726 rushing yards along with 20 touchdowns on the ground. 

His ability to take over a game showed up in huge moments, like torching LSU for 185 yards and four rushing TDs, or shredding Georgia through the air and on foot in a game that turned into a defining win. That versatility didn’t just catch the eye of fans—he earned the 2024 William V. Campbell Trophy, which honors the best all-around student-athlete in college football. Now, despite some struggles at the Senior Bowl—where accuracy and decision-making issues cropped up—Milroe still left a strong impression on John Schneider. 

The front office was drawn to his athletic gifts and top-end speed (he was clocked at 21.2 mph on runs). John Schneider expressed high regard for Milroe, describing him as a “special, special kid” with unique athleticism. At Alabama, Milroe shredded defenses with legs and arm strength—50‑yard scrambles, lasers downfield. Seattle’s offensive staff plans to unleash those tools in gadget packages early, then ease him into the full playbook. Field Gulls projects Kubiak’s scheme will feature Milroe on designed runs, moving pockets, and RPOs tailored to his skill set. 

That dual‑quarterback gambit promises unpredictability. Darnold’s experience buys stability, while Milroe’s dynamic burst keeps opponents off‑balance. But with just months to marry scheme and timing, hiccups are inevitable. Fans on X have already split: some crave a high‑octane Milroe era; others cling to Darnold’s veteran savvy. In local and online forums, pros and armchair GMs debate who’ll emerge by Week 1. One thing’s certain: this battle won’t be decided by contract size or draft pedigree—it’ll hinge on who seizes the moment.

As summer approaches, Seattle’s quarterback drama is more than storylines—it’s destiny shaping. Will Darnold validate Schneider’s “very hot, very high” warning? Or will Milroe’s future‑star talent force the hand of a win‑now franchise? Either way, this competition carries stakes few teams ever face: present success and future promise, locked in a zero‑sum duel. The stage is set. Now let the games begin.