Mike Macdonald isn’t entertaining any talk of a quarterback shake-up in Seattle.
The Seahawks head coach made that clear this week when asked about Sam Darnold‘s status as the team’s QB1 after the new acquisition threw a pair of interceptions during organized team activities (OTAs).
Appearing on Seattle Sports 710-AM, Macdonald was quick to dismiss the idea that Darnold‘s job was in jeopardy.
“No, you guys are crazy,” Macdonald said when asked if anything short of an injury could unseat Darnold. “I respect that you’ve got to ask it, but it’s just a crazy question. It’s just not going to happen. Sam’s our starting quarterback. We love him. He’s doing a tremendous job.”
The vote of confidence comes after Darnold, who signed a three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seahawks in March, had a turbulent day at practice, highlighted by back-to-back turnovers.
While some speculated it could open the door to competition, Macdonald emphasized that it’s far too early to panic – especially in early June.
Darnold still adjusting as Seahawks build toward September
Macdonald, now in his second year leading the Seahawks, stressed that OTAs are meant for growth and experimentation.
“God forbid you’re the worst player of all time because you made one bad throw or one bad decision,” he said.
“That is not what we’re trying to build. We want these guys to go prepare the right way and then when they go out on the practice field, go freaking let it rip and then we’ll go fix it.
“We’ve got time. It’s June 3. They’re going to get plenty of reps. We’ll get those things fixed.”
Darnold, 27, is entering his sixth NFL season and his fourth team, having previously played for the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers before breaking out with the Vikings in 2024.
Last season, he posted career highs with 35 touchdown passes and led Minnesota to the playoffs. However, the postseason ended on a sour note – Darnold was sacked nine times in a Wild Card loss to the Rams and threw just one touchdown in the defeat.
Following that performance, Minnesota shifted focus to their 2024 first-round pick, J.J. McCarthy, opening the door for Darnold’s departure and Seattle’s investment.
Seattle, meanwhile, moved on from veteran Geno Smith, dealing him to the Raiders after missing the playoffs with a 10-7 record.
Behind Darnold, the team brought back Drew Lock and drafted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third round as additional depth and developmental options.
While Darnold holds the top job now, Seattle included a $37.5 million opt-out clause in his contract that could allow the team to reassess after just one season.
The Seahawks will open their 2025 campaign on September 7 against the San Francisco 49ers. Until then, Macdonald insists there’s no quarterback drama – just a team focused on getting better with its new franchise leader.
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