How Seattle Seahawks are reshaping their future this offseason

This collection of reporting illustrates the Seattle Seahawks’ decisive offseason strategy as they make significant moves on multiple fronts to reshape their future.

The team released veteran Tyler Lockett and traded DK Metcalf, opting for cap flexibility while assembling a new receiving corps led by Jaxon Smith-Njigba and newcomers like Cooper Kupp.

The team also secured quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency, banking on his development in systems like Kevin O’Connell’s in Minnesota to bring efficiency to new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak’s scheme. Across personnel and staff changes, Seattle appears focused on blending experience with fresh talent to position itself for long-term competitiveness.

The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories below were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.

The Seahawks reportedly hired long-time NFL assistant coach John Benton, shown here as O-line coach for the San Francisco 49ers in 2019, as Seattle’s new offensive line coach. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

NO. 1: NEW OC KLINT KUBIAK MAKES HIS 1ST DECISIONS ON SEAHAWKS’ OFFENSIVE STAFF. FOR CONTINUITY

Kubiak is bringing his line coach with him from New Orleans to Seattle, plus the Saints’ 2024 quarterbacks coach. | Published February 3, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

The Seahawks reportedly asked the Vikings for permission to interview Grant Udinski, Minnesota’s 28-year-old assistant offensive coordinator, about Seattle’s open offensive-coordinator job. NFL Network reported that Jan. 14, 2025. By NFL Media

NO. 2: THE SEAHAWKS’ LATEST OFFENSIVE-COORDINATOR CANDIDATE: HE’S 28 YEARS OLD

Mike Macdonald, Seahawks ask Minnesota Vikings for permission to interview 28-year-old Grant Udinski for offensive coordinator job . Maybe work with DK Metcalf? | Published January 15, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf (14) walks out before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Lumen Field, on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024 in Seattle, Wash. By Brian Hayes

NO. 3: END OF ERA. ERAS? SEAHAWKS CUT TYLER LOCKETT, SOURCE SAYS WILL EXPLORE DK METCALF TRADE

Seattle saves $17 million against NFL salary cap releasing its longest-tenured player. Metcalf requests trade. Team will explore. | Published March 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Jarran Reed (90) celebrates his sack of Carolina’s Andy Dalton with a Michael Bennett-like hip-thrust dance in the fourth quarter of the Seahawks’ 37-27 victory at Lumen Field Sept. 25, 2023. By via seahawks.com

NO. 4: LOCKER-ROOM LEADER, COACH FAVE JARRAN REED RETURNING TO SEAHAWKS ON NEW, 3-YEAR DEAL

The tackle’s productivity playing 60% of snaps last year is only part of his value to Seattle’s defense and team. | Published March 9, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Indianapolis Colts guard Will Fries (75) stands with teammates before the game against the Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium in Baltimore, Sept. 24, 2023. Fries agreed to sign a free-agent contract with Minnesota March 11, 2025, after the Seahawks negotiated for him. By Tommy Gilligan

NO. 5: AFTER SAM DARNOLD SIGNING, SEAHAWKS BACK TO SAME FREE-AGENCY APPROACH. AND: COMP PICKS SET

The length of free-agent contract offers again burns Seattle, this time with guard Will Fries the team wanted. Plus, a fullback? | Published March 12, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

The Seahawks’ new number 14, Sam Darnold, after the 27-year-old quarterback last of the Minnesota Vikings signed his three-year, free-agent contract at Seattle’s team headquarters in Renton March 13, 2025. At left is Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. At right is coach Mike Macdonald. By Gregg Bell/The News Tribune

NO. 6: SEAHAWKS’ NEW $100M QB SAM DARNOLD LEARNS FROM HIS VIKINGS END--AND THE LAST PICK IN DRAFT

The year Darnold spent as a 49ers backup under Seattle OC Klint Kubiak changed his career. Because of Brock Purdy. | Published March 14, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

Nov 25, 2016; Pullman, WA, USA; Washington State Cougars wide receiver River Cracraft (21) is introduced before the 2016 Apple Cup against the Washington Huskies at Martin Stadium in Pullman, Nov. 25, 2016. By James Snook

NO. 7: SEAHAWKS STILL REMODELING WRS POST-METCALF, POST-LOCKETT, SIGN EX-WSU COUG RIVER CRACRAFT

The Seahawks add a former Coug. Seattle continues to add at wide receiver, after trading DK Metcalf, cutting Tyler Lockett. | Published March 22, 2025 | Read Full Story by Gregg Bell

This report was produced with the help of AI tools, which summarized previous stories reported and written by McClatchy journalists. It was edited by journalists in our News division.