The Seattle Seahawks will open training camp with Sam Darnold at quarterback after moving on from Geno Smith, while a rebuilt supporting cast and unresolved offensive-line competition shape the franchise’s 2025 outlook.
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| SEO title | Seattle Seahawks Training Camp 2025: Sam Darnold Leads New Era |
| SEO description | Sam Darnold takes over in Seattle as the Seahawks enter camp with new veterans, major offensive-line battles and a preseason opener against the Raiders. |
Seattle Seahawks Training Camp 2025: Sam Darnold Takes Command
Seattle’s rookies are scheduled to report July 15, with veterans arriving July 22 at Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton, Washington. The biggest question throughout camp will be how quickly Darnold settles into an offense that has changed dramatically since last season.
Smith was dealt to the Las Vegas Raiders after three seasons as Seattle’s starter, a stretch that included two Pro Bowl selections. Darnold signed a three-year contract worth $100.5 million to replace him, but the deal gives the Seahawks future flexibility: he has no guaranteed money beyond this season, and Seattle could save $27.5 million through a post-June 1 release in 2026.
Darnold is coming off the strongest statistical season of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns in 2024. His finish, however, created concern. He struggled in his final two games, including a playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams in which he was sacked nine times and produced a season-low minus-27.4 EPA.
Every practice rep will draw attention, particularly with veteran Drew Lock returning as the backup and rookie Jalen Milroe bringing considerable athletic upside to the quarterback room.
What changed for the franchise
The Seahawks lost more than their starting quarterback during the offseason. Wide receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett also departed, ending a major chapter for Seattle’s offense.
The club answered by adding two accomplished veterans. Cooper Kupp joined Seattle after an injury-hit final stretch with the Rams, while edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence arrived from the Dallas Cowboys. Kupp has missed 18 games across the past three seasons, and Lawrence sat out 13 games in 2024 because of a foot injury. Their availability and ability to regain top form could heavily influence Seattle’s season.
Kupp will face his former Rams teammates twice during the regular season. Lawrence, meanwhile, enters Seattle after a decorated run in Dallas that included a Pro Bowl selection.
Protection plan around Darnold
Seattle’s offensive line may decide whether Darnold’s strong 2024 production carries over. He held the ball for an average of 3.08 seconds last season, the NFL’s third-longest figure, and 73.2 percent of his throws came after 2.5 seconds, the highest rate in the league.
Left tackle Charles Cross provides an established presence, but the Seahawks need first-round pick Grey Zabel to develop quickly at left guard. On the right side, Abraham Lucas must prove he can remain on the field after appearing in only 13 of a possible 34 games during the last two years.
The interior jobs will be among the most significant camp battles. Olu Oluwatimi and Jalen Sundell are expected to compete at center, while Christian Haynes, Anthony Bradford and sixth-round rookie Bryce Cabeldue are candidates at right guard.
Seattle opens the regular season with three of its first four opponents coming off non-playoff 2024 campaigns. The Seahawks also close with four games against non-playoff teams in their final five contests.
Next kickoff: Thursday, Aug. 7
The Seahawks begin preseason play at home against the Las Vegas Raiders on Thursday, Aug. 7 at 10 p.m. ET. Seattle then hosts the Kansas City Chiefs on Friday, Aug. 15 at 10 p.m. ET before visiting the Green Bay Packers on Saturday, Aug. 23 at 4 p.m. ET.
