The Seattle Seahawks couldn't wait for the start of free agency to uncork a wild trade that will change the scope of the league. In a move no one saw coming, Geno Smith's feel-good tenure in Seattle is officially coming to a close.
The Seahawks have agreed to trade Smith to the quarterback-needy Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a 2025 third-round pick. The trade reunites Smith with head coach Pete Carroll, who oversaw Smith's resurgence during the 2022 and 2023 seasons with the Seahawks. Seattle also has one big name in mind as they try to replace him.
According to Tom Pelissero, the Seahawks are expected to pursue Sam Darnold in free agency. Given how new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's past experience under Kevin O'Connell, bringing Darnold, who will turn 28 years old next season, to a familiar scheme could make a huge difference for Seattle.
Seahawks to target Sam Darnold in free agency after Geno Smith trade
Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record, throwing for over 4,300 yards and 35 touchdown passes. Unfortunately, his brilliant season was somewhat let down by a poor performance in what turned out to be a brutal playoff loss on a neutral field against the Los Angeles Rams.
Darnold would be arriving in a much worse situation in Seattle, however. Both DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are going to be playing somewhere else, the offensive line is not very good, and defensive head coach Mike Macdonald may not give Darnold the same boost Kevin O'Connell did.
However, if the Seahawks had their mind made up about moving on from Smith amid this big offensive overhaul, it seems like Darnold is far and away the best option still on the market. It takes skill to throw 35 touchdowns, and the mistakes the former No. 3 pick made in New York and Carolina seemed to decrease.
Darnold has some flaws, and Smith put together a splendid career with the Seahawks after coming back from the proverbial dead, but John Schneider and Macdonald clearly wanted a short-term upgrade. If they land Darnold, they could keep themselves firmly in the postseason hunt.