Mike Macdonald respectfully but bluntly shuts down 'crazy' question about Sam Darnold during latest round of OTAs

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Kyle Crabbs | Last updated Jun 3, 2025 4:25 PM ET

This offseason has been all about change for the Seattle Seahawks offense. Head coach Mike Macdonald did a wonderful job with his defense in 2024 but clearly felt like an overhaul on offense would go further in getting this team to where they wanted to go. Gone are names like Geno Smith, DK Metcalf, and Tyler Lockett — holdovers from before Macdonald stepped foot on the scene. There’s a new offensive scheme in-house, too, to boot.

Seattle to their credit, stayed busy providing proven answers to some of these offensive vacancies. Cooper Kupp steps in at wide receiver, Klint Kubiak calls the offense, and Sam Darnold will be behind center. If you had any hopes or aspirations of seeing someone not named Sam Darnold behind center in 2025, Macdonald has some bad news for you.

Macdonald, on an appearance on “Brock & Salk” on Seattle Sports this morning, was asked if there was any chance someone other than Sam Darnold could wind up as the team’s starting quarterback for 2025. Seattle, of course, drafted quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third-round of the 2025 NFL Draft and added Drew Lock in free agency this spring.

Macdonald’s response was, in a word, emphatic.

"No, you guys are crazy. I respect you've got to ask it but it's just a crazy question. It's just not going to happen. Sam's our starting quarterback. We love him, he's doing a tremendous job." - Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald on anyone other than Sam Darnold being the 2025 starting quarterback

It makes sense from a financial standpoint, as Darnold is in line for $37.5 million in 2025. But it’s also fair to point out that Darnold is currently only guaranteed his 2025 compensation despite signing a three-year contract with the Seahawks this offseason. Darnold’s status entering 2025 should, as Macdonald is quick to point out, not be in question. But his long-term security as the quarterback of the Seahawks should absolutely be approached with a “wait and see’ mentality.

It will ultimately be up to Darnold to play to the standard Seattle is looking for to stay in place and earn another opportunity in 2026. The good news is, as his head coach points out, the ball is in Darnold’s court this season, no questions asked.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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