Seahawks' Macdonald Rejects Darnold Backup Speculation

David

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Post on Jun 05, 2025

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Seahawks' Macdonald Rejects Darnold Backup Speculation: Geno Smith Remains Firmly in the Spotlight

The Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator, Shane Waldron, has firmly dismissed speculation surrounding Sam Darnold potentially backing up Geno Smith this season. The rumors, fueled by Darnold's recent release from the Carolina Panthers and the Seahawks' need for a reliable backup quarterback, had ignited considerable buzz amongst NFL analysts and fans alike. However, Waldron's clear statement puts an end to the conjecture, at least for now.

This news comes as a surprise to some, considering the perceived risk of relying solely on Geno Smith, who, despite a stellar 2022 season, has a history of injury concerns. The Seahawks' success hinges heavily on Smith's performance, making a dependable backup crucial for a team aiming for a playoff run.

Waldron's Defiance: A Vote of Confidence in Holton and Dobbs?

Waldron’s dismissal of Darnold wasn't a simple "no comment." Instead, his response implies a higher level of confidence in the Seahawks' current backup options: Drew Lock and undrafted rookie, Holton Ahlers. While Lock has shown flashes of potential, his inconsistency remains a concern. Ahlers, on the other hand, represents a high-risk, high-reward proposition; a young player with considerable upside but lacking NFL experience.

This strategic decision raises several questions:

• Is the Seahawks' front office fully confident in Lock and Ahlers? Their performance in preseason games will be closely scrutinized.
• Could the Seahawks revisit the Darnold option later in the season? Injuries or underperformance from Lock and Ahlers could force a change of plans.
• What does this mean for the Seahawks' overall quarterback depth chart strategy? The decision to seemingly bypass a veteran like Darnold suggests a long-term vision for the position.

Geno Smith: The Unwavering Starter

The Seahawks' unwavering commitment to Geno Smith is a testament to his remarkable turnaround last season. He silenced critics, leading the team to a winning record and earning himself a lucrative contract extension. This decision, however, also underscores the pressure on Smith to remain healthy and consistently deliver the high level of play he demonstrated in 2022. Any significant slump in his performance could put the Seahawks in a precarious position, despite Waldron's confidence in the backup options.

Looking Ahead: Preseason Games Will Be Crucial

The upcoming preseason games will be critical in evaluating the performance of Lock and Ahlers. Their success or failure will ultimately determine the validity of Waldron's confidence and the Seahawks’ decision to pass on Sam Darnold. The performances will undoubtedly be closely watched by fans and analysts alike, providing a clearer picture of the Seahawks' quarterback situation heading into the regular season. Stay tuned for updates as the preseason unfolds and the Seahawks' quarterback depth chart takes shape.

Keywords: Seahawks, Geno Smith, Sam Darnold, Shane Waldron, Drew Lock, Holton Ahlers, NFL, Backup Quarterback, Preseason, NFL News, Seattle Seahawks News, NFL Rumors

Call to Action: What are your thoughts on the Seahawks' decision? Share your predictions for the team's performance this season in the comments below!