Seahawks GM See ‘High Ceiling’ in Rookie QB Jalen Milroe

The Seattle Seahawks signed Sam Darnold and Drew Lock in free agency and selected Jalen Milroe from Alabama in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Seahawks GM See ‘High Ceiling’ in Rookie QB Jalen Milroe

John Schneider spoke highly of Jalen Milroe in a recent Rich Eisen Show episode. (Image via DAZN/Seattle Sports)

After spending more than 13 years as an executive and vice president of operations at Seattle Seahawks, John Schneider stepped up in 2024 as the new general manager. Schneider, having seen the highs and the lows of the franchise, has a long-term leadership mindset, one that he showed everyone in the offseason.

In the offseason, the Seahawks traded their quarterback, Geno Smith, to the Las Vegas Raiders and quickly signed veteran Sam Darnold during free agency. After years of challenging seasons with frustrating results, Darnold had finally clicked in Minnesota, leading them to 14 regular-season wins. Darnold was signed for a three-year deal, a timeframe in which the Seahawks can develop a young quarterback behind the scenes.

In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Seahawks selected Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third round. Milroe was the highest drafted quarterback by Seattle since Russell Wilson in 2012.

Schneider discussed both Darnold and Milroe during a recent interview on The Rich Eisen Show. He discussed Jalen Milroe in length during the interview. The GM compared the Alabama quarterback’s potential to the early days of Brett Favre. Schneider had joined the Green Bay Packers shortly after Favre joined in 1992.

I was lucky to be around Brett Favre at a very young age and there was a lot of ‘Wow’ and there was a lot of ‘Whoa’ to throws. And so (Milroe)’s got some of those wows and those whoas… He’s a special young man. He’s been great so far.

He also noted that Milroe’s success depends on the long-term coaching and the circumstantial development of the franchise.

Obviously, [he has a] high ceiling… It takes a lot of time for these guys to develop and get those pro reps. And, you know, [he had] several different coordinators, I think like three or four coordinators in college and several different position coaches. So, again, getting him in a system where he can be comfortable. And the staff’s going to try to do some unique things with him, the offensive staff.

Milroe finished his final college season at Alabama with 2,834 passing yards and 23 touchdowns. He also added 12 rushing touchdowns, making him a dual-threat option for the future. While he is not expected to start immediately, the Seahawks are optimistic about his growth potential.

Sam Darnold to start for Seattle Seahawks in 2025

The Seahawks start their season on 7th September against the division rivals San Francisco 49ers. They have the 11th easiest schedule according to the current strength of schedule, playing only six teams that made the playoffs last season.

Seattle Seahawks’ new signing Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold (Image via Sports Illustrated)

Darnold will be leading the kettle as the starter. On the Rich Eisen Show, Schneider confessed the team’s trust in Darnold to lead them back to the playoffs. He admitted that their trust is secure enough that Mike Macdonald gave Darnold a heads up while drafting Milroe in the third round of the NFL Draft.

He also added that even Drew Lock, the backup quarterback for the Seahawks, was given a heads up amidst the draft.

Talking about Sam Darnold, Schneider noted that he is a great competitor and a good human being. He also praised Darnold’s progression and leadership qualities.

He just keeps making really cool progress every year. And to have an established system in place that he’s played in and is comfortable with is a big deal. Great human, great competitor, been a great leader so far.

With former Los Angeles Rams WR and NFL OPOY Cooper Kupp in tow, Darnold has a good offensive line to begin with. He has ammunition to challenge and an arsenal to guard him. As Jalen Milroe develops, Darnold can hold the fort or make some waves.

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