Jun 11, 2025; Renton, WA, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Jalen Milroe (6) is pictured during mini-camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Former NFL QB insists Seahawks have to get Jalen Milroe on the field

Originally posted on Seattle Seahawks on SI
By Tim Weaver | Last updated Jun 15, 2025 11:27 AM ET

If new Seattle Seahawks starter Sam Darnold does not pick up where he left off with the Minnesota Vikings last year, it won't take long for Seattle's first quarterback controversy in decades to come around. As confident as they are in Darnold's quantum surge in 2024, the Seahawks did leave themselves an escape hatch in Darnold's contract. They also brought back their preferred backup Drew Lock and spent a third-round pick on an exciting developmental QB with Jalen Milroe.

They're all more athletic than last year's backfield combo of Geno Smith and Sam Howell. However, Milroe is on an entirely different level in this department compared to Darnold and Lock. Listen to former NFL quarterbak Chase Daniel pound the table for head coach Mike Macdonald take advantage of the awesome skillset Milroe has in 2025 - even if it's not as QB1.

Chase Daniel on Seahawks rookie Jalen Milroe

"He can help you right away in Klint Kubiak's scheme," says @ChaseDaniel about #Seahawks rookie QB Jalen Milroe in a recent conversation w/ @BrockHuard & @BradyHenderson.

FULL VIDEO : https://t.co/E4j4MT1lky pic.twitter.com/n5GajfFvJO
— Seattle Sports (@SeattleSports) June 14, 2025

Of course there's a reason why the Seahawks didn't pick Milroe earlier and why he's currently third on the depth chart. As incredible as Milroe is as a rushing weapon and as awesome as his arm talent is, he still has a whole lot of developing to do before he's ready to conduct a pro offense.

That said, if the Seahawks do ever become convinced that Milroe has rounded out the rougher edges of his game, they'll have no excuse not to start him over Darnold or Lock - no matter how those two might be doing. The absurd ceiling that Milroe has must take precedence once he's ready to run.

This article first appeared on Seattle Seahawks on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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