**make sure to add a visual. also most of the grads are a bit long, so maybe break most of them up into two grafs if possible – JP**
**\*what would be fun is getting some student opinions on how they feel about what is going on with the seahawks. Like some on the mall talks with people to connect it to Pullman (would only take like 15 min) -GB**
The NFL offseason is always full of surprises, with star players landing on new teams and franchises making bold decisions. For the Seattle Seahawks, this offseason has been nothing short of interesting, bringing major changes that could reshape the team after finishing the 2024 season with a 10-7 record and missing the playoffs.
The Seahawks’ offseason changes began March 5 when Seattle released 10-year veteran wide receiver Tyler Lockett. The move freed up $17 million in cap space. Tyler Lockett recorded 600 yards with 49 receptions in 2024. Lockett was a consistent receiver for the Seahawks, putting up 8,594 career receiving yards and 61 career touchdowns while staying with the team his entire career. Lockett had 500 yards in every season with the Seahawks.
Just hours after Lockett’s release, star wide receiver DK Metcalf requested a trade. Metcalf tallied 992 yards in 2024. The 6-foot-4 receiver has been a key piece for the Seahawks in the past several years, going for 6,324 yards and 48 touchdowns in his career with the Hawks. **new graf**The Seahawks traded Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second round pick in the 2025 draft. His contract will total about $150 million with the Steelers.
Two days later news came out that Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith was traded to ex-Seahawks and new Las Vegas Raiders coach Pete Carroll. The Seahawks received a third-round pick and the deal left many fans divided. Smith played with the Seahawks for five years and started for three of those years. Smith threw a career-high **4320 (4,320) – JP** yards in 2024, but also threw 15 interceptions and missed the playoffs.
With Smith gone, Seattle quickly addressed the quarterback position by signing former Viking Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal, with an opt-out option after the first season. This gives the Seahawks the option to move on from Darnold if he under **preforms\*misspelled – GB** in 2025 and **\*awkward, gives darnold?**Darnold the chance to prove himself. **new graf here-LR**Darnold is 27 while Smith is 34, giving Seattle some younger talent. Darnold put up 4,319 yards in the 2024 season while also leading the Minnesota Vikings to the NFC wild card round and a 14-3 record.
Along with Darnold, the Seahawks picked up wide receiver and 2021 Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp from the Los Angeles Rams. Kupp adds more depth to the receiving room in Seattle after losing Metcalf and Lockett**, (delete) – JP** and a reliable target for Darnold. **new graf-LR**Kupp has 7,776 yards and 57 touchdowns after eight seasons. In 2024, he recorded 710 yards while playing with Rams QB Matthew Stafford.
The Seahawks continued their busy offseason by reinforcing areas of need on the roster. They re-signed linebacker Ernest Jones to a three-year contract. Offensive lineman Josh Jones was signed for depth up front. Wideout Marquez Valdes-Scantling will back up Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The Hawks also **resigned\*re-signed – GB** defensive tackle Jarran Reed and cornerback Josh Jobe, key players for a still-young defense.
The next priority will be the NFL Draft, where the Seahawks hold 10 draft picks with two picks in both the second and third rounds. One of the top remaining needs for the Seahawks is offensive line depth, especially with a new quarterback. The team could look to draft a top-tier offensive tackle or interior lineman early to solidify protection up front.