What to Make of the Seahawks Draft Plans After Key Signings

The Seattle Seahawks look ready to contend for a playoff spot in 2024. Even with their starting quarterback in place, the Seahawks recent signings could foreshadow big draft plans.

After Making A Few Key Signings, the Seahawks Draft Plans Could Include a Top Quarterback

The State of the Roster

Seattle has gone from being a defensive-oriented team to having most of their firepower on offense. By trading Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos in 2022, the team was able to acquire Noah Fant and draft Charles Chross. Since the Wilson trade, the Seahawks have built a solid roster. This off-season, the team added players along the offensive and defensive lines. They also filled their need at linebacker. While cornerback or edge defender could still be considered needs for Seattle, the team has a more pressing question at quarterback. Even if the team trades out of the first round, adding a quarterback could be in their draft plans.

How They Got Here

Their approach to finding a franchise quarterback after moving on from Wilson was criticized but has proven fruitful. Geno Smith stepped in admirably and won the starting job over Drew Lock after signing a one-year contract in 2022. Under Smith, the Seahawks won 9 games and made the playoffs that same year. Quality coaching and a solid supporting cast of players helped elevate his play. The team rewarded Smith with a massive contract but gave themselves the flexibility to move on from him. 

After Dave Canales got hired away to coach in Tampa Bay last season, Smith underperformed. While Smith has played above expectations since becoming the starter, he has limitations as a passer and has not taken the next step. The supporting cast around Smith is good enough for the team to win double-digit games. But when the playoffs roll around, the team could be looking for a difference-maker to take them to the next level.

Smith also turns 34 this season. His dead cap for 2025 will be significantly less than it would have been in 2024 if the Seahawks had moved on before the league year started. Smith is an ideal bridge quarterback as he gives the team flexibility and stability for the immediate future. His former backup, Drew Lock, signed with the New York Giants in free agency. The team traded for former Washington Commanders quarterback Sam Howell, but this was likely more for insurance than competition. General manager John Schneider comes from a school of drafting and developing quarterbacks, which could come into play in this upcoming draft.

The Potential Draft Pick

All signs point to Schneider adding to the quarterback room in the draft. That pick could come early, or it could come later in the draft. No matter when the Seahawks select a quarterback, it appears more likely than ever that the team will draft one in 2024 instead of waiting for next season. There are ties in Seattle to one specific quarterback in the draft, which could indicate their plans with the 16th overall pick.

Drafting Michael Penix Jr. at pick 16 could seem rich on the outside, but the New Orleans Saints are an example of what can happen if a team waits too long for their quarterback to fall to them in the draft. Penix has polarizing opinions about his projection at the next level, but his talent is undeniable. Seattle’s new offensive coordinator, Ryan Grubb, coached Penix at Washington the last two seasons. If anyone knows his strengths and weaknesses, it’s Grubb. 

The fit for Seattle feels perfect. The timing also could work out well for both parties. Teams that have drafted quarterbacks and allowed them to sit for a season have had success, and Penix could fall in line with that trend in Seattle.