NFL free agency is almost set to begin, and we're keeping track of every major signing, trade and release of the 2025 offseason, with analysis from our NFL Nation reporters and grades from our experts. The new league year begins March 12 at 4 p.m. ET, and free agent signings can then become official. The first round of the 2025 NFL draft begins April 24 on ESPN.
After agreeing to trade both starting quarterback Geno Smith (Raiders) and star wide receiver DK Metcalf (Steelers), the Seahawks are looking to re-tool their offense. On defense, they have re-signed Ernest Jones IV, according to sources.
Here's a breakdown of every 2025 NFL free agent signing by the Seattle Seahawks and how each will impact the upcoming season:
Sam Darnold, QB
Darnold agreed to a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.
What it means: The Seahawks have their replacement for Geno Smith, whom they traded to the Raiders for the 92nd overall pick on Friday. Schefter reports that Darnold will get $55 million guaranteed. Exactly how much of that is fully guaranteed will determine whether the Seahawks are truly tied to Darnold for two years or whether they'd have a realistic out next offseason should he regress in 2025 to his previous level of play.
But for now, the Smith-Darnold swap could be viewed this way: Seattle got younger and cheaper at quarterback while picking up a third-round pick in the process. But will they be better?
What's the risk: The Seahawks are making a big bet that new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak can do what Kevin O'Connell did last season in Minnesota -- coax Pro Bowl-level play out of a quarterback who had been a disappointment to that point as a former No. 3 overall pick. Under O'Connell's guidance, Darnold ranked 14th in QBR after ranking 39th over his first six seasons. While he no longer has O'Connell, he will have familiarity with Kubiak, who coached him in 2023 with the 49ers. He also has a top-10 defense to support him, though none of that will matter unless the Seahawks can beef up their offensive line.