Insider envisions Seattle Seahawks using first-round pick to draft a quarterback, under one condition

The Seattle Seahawks made the shocking decision to trade Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders this offseason, reportedly after the 34-year-old two-time Pro Bowler refused to agree to a contract extension at their desired rate.

That decision directly led to the Seahawks inking the top free agent quarterback, Sam Darnold, to a three-year contract worth $100.5 million. Yet, a closer examination of Darnold’s contract reveals that the Seahawks can move on from their new Pro Bowl QB after one season while facing few future cap penalties.

Yet, would the Seahawks really move on from their QB just one year after signing him to a $100-million contract? That depends on the specific situation, but having another potential long-term QB of the future on the roster would certainly create pressure.

Seattle Seahawks insider ‘imagines’ team would select Jaxson Dart at 18

Last year, the Atlanta Falcons became the talk of the offseason after signing Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract, only to later turn around and draft Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Could we see a similar storyline play out with the Seattle Seahawks this offseason? It would certainly be a shocker, even if the Seahawks select much later (18th pick in the first round) than the Falcons did.

However, The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar believes there’s a scenario where the Seahawks could replicate the Falcons’ formula by using their first-round pick on a quarterback too, Jaxson Dart.

“If Seattle has a first-round grade on Jaxson Dart, and he’s available at 18, then I’d imagine Dart would be the pick regardless of the other available prospects.”
The Athletic on Seattle Seahawks’ potential draft plans

The Seahawks do have two younger developmental quarterbacks in Sam Howell and Jaren Hall, so there wouldn’t appear to be an urgent need to find another, especially with their most valuable draft selection. However, considering how valuable good and great quarterbacks are, drafting another can never be ruled out.