Seattle Seahawks 2025 Season Updates: A Milestone Year in the Making

Under second-year head coach Mike Macdonald, the Seattle Seahawks enter their 50th season in the National Football League with high expectations, a revamped roster, and a renewed sense of purpose.

Coming off a 10–7 record in 2024, the Seahawks are aiming to return to the playoffs after a two-year absence and reclaim the NFC West title for the first time since 2020. Here’s a comprehensive look at the latest updates from the Seahawks’ 2025 offseason, draft, training camp, and preseason preparations, based on recent reports and developments.

Offseason Roster Shakeup

Significant roster changes marked the 2025 offseason, signaling a shift in the team’s direction. The Seahawks parted ways with key veterans, including wide receiver Tyler Lockett, who was released on March 5, and quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf, who were traded to the Las Vegas Raiders and Pittsburgh Steelers, respectively, on March 13. These moves mark the first season since 2014 without Lockett and since 2018 without Smith and Metcalf, reshaping the offensive identity of the team.

In exchange for Metcalf and a sixth-round pick, the Seahawks acquired second- and seventh-round selections from Pittsburgh, while the trade of Smith netted a third-round pick from Las Vegas. Additional trades included linebacker Jerome Baker to the Tennessee Titans for linebacker Ernest Jones and defensive lineman Darrell Taylor to the Chicago Bears for a sixth-round pick, with the Seahawks also acquiring defensive lineman Leonard Williams from the New York Giants and linebacker Trevis Gipson from the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The team bolstered its roster with veteran signings, including the return of cornerback Shaquill Griffin, punter Michael Dickson’s four-year contract extension, and the re-signing of defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins.

General manager John Schneider, who received a multi-year extension, also signed rookie tackle Luke Felix-Fualalo, tight end Mitch Van Vooren, defensive tackle Anthony Campbell, quarterback Jalen Milroe, and undrafted rookie receiver Nate McCollum, among others. These moves reflect a strategic blend of youth and experience as the Seahawks aim to build a competitive roster.

2025 NFL Draft Highlights

The Seahawks entered the 2025 NFL Draft with 10 selections, including five in the top 92 picks, leveraging their trade acquisitions to address key needs. Their draft class, one of the most promising in recent years, includes:

Grey Zabel, a guard from North Dakota State, was selected 18th overall in the draft. Selected to address the offensive line’s weaknesses, Zabel has shown chemistry with left tackle Charles Cross, highlighted by a lighthearted moment where they shotgunned Gatorades together after practice. Despite Cross undergoing surgery for a dislocated finger, he is expected to return before the regular-season opener.
Nick Emmanwori (Safety, South Carolina, 35th overall): A 6-foot-3, 220-pound safety with comparisons to Kam Chancellor, Emmanwori has been a standout in training camp, notching three interceptions in a single week, including a notable pick off a deflected deep ball. His physicality and playmaking ability have drawn praise, with analysts noting “Kam vibes” during padded practices.
Elijah Arroyo (Tight End, Miami, 50th overall): Arroyo adds depth and potential to the tight end position, with analysts suggesting the team’s investment in this role could pay dividends in 2025.
Jalen Milroe (Quarterback, Alabama, 92nd overall): The third-round pick brings electrifying athleticism to the quarterback room, showcasing his running ability with a 20-yard bootleg gain and a 35-yard pass during a two-minute drill in camp. Milroe, the highest-drafted quarterback by Schneider since Russell Wilson in 2012, joins Sam Darnold, Drew Lock, and Sam Howell in a revamped quarterback group.
Damien Martinez (Running Back, Miami, 223rd overall): Nicknamed “Beast Mode 2.0,” Martinez’s 4.51-second 40-yard dash and college highlights suggest he could be a dynamic addition to the backfield.
Mason Richman (Guard, Iowa, 234th overall): Richman’s versatility strengthens the offensive line depth.
Ricky White III (Wide Receiver, UNLV, 238th overall): White adds speed and potential to a receiver group looking to replace departed stars.
Other signings: The Seahawks also signed undrafted rookies like running back Anthony Tyus, long snapper Zach Triner, and linebacker Michael Dowell, while adding defensive end Seth Coleman ahead of the preseason opener.

Training Camp Standouts and Storylines

The Seahawks’ training camp, held in Renton, Washington, from July 23 to August 12, has provided a first look at the 2025 squad. Key takeaways include:

Quarterback Dynamics: Sam Darnold, the projected starter, has shown poise and leadership, bouncing back from early camp struggles with a strong performance alongside receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Rookie Jalen Milroe’s dual-threat ability has added excitement, though the team is slow-playing his development to focus on mastering offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme. Drew Lock, returning after a stint with the Giants, expressed enthusiasm about being back in Seattle, where he spent six years.
Defensive Dominance: The defense, led by four-time Pro Bowl defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, has been a standout, winning the first padded practice of camp. Safety Nick Emmanwori’s interceptions and physicality have been highlights, while the return of linebacker Ernest Jones from a personal absence strengthens the unit. However, injuries to cornerback Shaquill Griffin (personal reasons) and long snapper Chris Stoll (who left practice early) are being monitored.
Offensive Line Chemistry: The offensive line, a priority after years of inconsistency, is showing promise. Grey Zabel and Charles Cross’s camaraderie, both on and off the field, suggests a cohesive unit. However, Cross’s surgery and the absence of veteran leadership due to injuries pose challenges.
Receiver Competition: With Lockett and Metcalf gone, the receiver room is a focal point. Third-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a consistent highlight, with routine excellence in camp. Rookie fifth-round pick Tory Horton is making a case to overtake veteran Marquez Valdes-Scantling for the No. 3 receiver role, drawing praise for big plays.
Injury Updates: Running back Ken Walker missed practice, and the team lost backup safety candidate AJ Finley to injured reserve, likely ending his season. The addition of long snapper Zach Triner and running back Anthony Tyus addresses depth concerns following the loss of running back Kenny McIntosh.

Preseason Preview

The Seahawks kick off their 2025 preseason with a matchup against the Las Vegas Raiders on August 7 at 7:00 PM PDT at Lumen Field, followed by a game against the Kansas City Chiefs on August 15. These games offer a chance to evaluate rookies like Milroe, Emmanwori, and Martinez, as well as bubble players like receiver Dareke Young and cornerback Nehemiah Pritchett, who both made multiple notable plays in camp. Las Vegas head coach Pete Carroll, a former Seahawks coach, left open the possibility of playing his starters, setting the stage for an intriguing matchup.

2025 Schedule Highlights

The Seahawks’ 2025 regular season schedule, released in May, features a challenging slate with four prime-time games and a mix of divisional and marquee matchups:

Week 1 (September 7): vs. San Francisco 49ers, 1:05 PM PDT, Lumen Field
Week 2: at Pittsburgh Steelers (featuring DK Metcalf), 1:00 PM PDT
Week 7 (October 20): vs. Houston Texans (Monday Night Football), 7:00 PM PDT, Lumen Field
Week 9: at Washington Commanders (Sunday Night Football), featuring Bobby Wagner
Week 13 (November 30): vs. Minnesota Vikings (Sam Darnold vs. his former team), 1:05 PM PDT, Lumen Field
Week 17: at Carolina Panthers (potential Saturday game, December 27, date TBD)
Week 18: at San Francisco 49ers, early January, time TBD

The season opens and closes against NFC West rival San Francisco, with additional prime-time games against the Arizona Cardinals and Los Angeles Rams. The Seahawks’ home schedule also includes matchups against the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Indianapolis Colts.

Uniform and Fan Engagement

The Seahawks will debut a new “Rivalries” uniform in 2025, adding a fresh look for their milestone season. Fans can enter to win two tickets to the Rivalries Game on December 18, along with custom jerseys. The team’s “Football Fest” practice at Lumen Field showcased their new-look roster, with highlights like Jaxon Smith-Njigba’s standout catches and DeMarcus Lawrence’s disruptive presence. The Seahawks are also promoting NFL+ for fans to watch live local games and full replays, which enhances the gameday experience.

Outlook for 2025

The Seahawks, with a dynamic draft class, a bolstered defense, and a quarterback room that blends experience and potential, are poised to emerge as a formidable contender in the NFC West. Analysts like Albert Breer have praised the team’s young talent, with players like Emmanwori, Zabel, and Milroe showing early promise.

However, challenges remain, including integrating new players, managing injuries, and replacing the production of departed stars like Metcalf and Lockett. Head coach Mike Macdonald’s emphasis on a strong run game and a physical defense, combined with Klint Kubiak’s innovative offensive scheme, could elevate the Seahawks to new heights.

As the preseason commences, the focus will be on Sam Darnold’s leadership, Jalen Milroe’s progress, and the rise of rookies such as Nick Emmanwori and Tory Horton. The Seattle Seahawks, bolstered by a passionate fanbase and poised for a milestone season, are poised to make a significant impact in 2025.