Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold passes the ball during mini-camp at Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Stephen Brashear-Imagn Images

Seahawks QB Sam Darnold has high praise for two of his new offensive weapons

Originally posted on Seattle Seahawks on SI
By Tyler Reed | Last updated Aug 3, 2025 7:00 PM ET

The Seattle Seahawks will begin a new era on the offensive side of the ball as Sam Darnold will look to lead the offense in his first season with the franchise.

The Seahawks shipped former quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, where he will join former Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll. Now, the franchise is banking on Darnold's continued success after his excellent 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings.

In order for Darnold to continue his success from last season, the former first-round pick will need to create chemistry with his new wide receiving unit.

ESPN's Brady Henderson shared a clip of Darnold speaking with the media about his early impressions of rookie Tory Horton and third-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Here was Sam Darnold sharing his early impressions of rookie WR Tory Horton, and comparing Jaxon Smith-Njigba to a hockey player because of the way he moves. pic.twitter.com/J8j5l9cUvI
— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) August 3, 2025

Darnold had nothing but high praise for his two new offensive weapons. The Seahawks quarterback mentioned that Horton is doing everything right, especially when it comes to his curiosity about learning the game.

For Smith-Njigba, Darnold mentioned that even before he came to Seattle, he felt Smith-Njigba was one of the best run-after-catch receivers in the NFL.

Smith-Njigba had a dominant second season with the Seahawks that led to the first Pro Bowl selection of his career. It shouldn't come as a surprise that Darnold really wants to find a connection with the former Ohio State Buckeyes star who ended last season with 1,130 receiving yards.

The potential is there for a special season with this offense.

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

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