Seahawks host the Raiders in the 2024 preseason opener. Pete Carroll & Geno Smith return to Seattle to face Mike Macdonald's new squad. A new era begins.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
It's a sight many 12s never thought they'd see: Pete Carroll on the opposing sideline at Lumen Field. The legendary former coach makes his return to Seattle on Thursday, not in Seahawks blue and green, but in the silver and black of the Las Vegas Raiders. While the reunion with Carroll and former QB Geno Smith will stir up nostalgia, the real story is the team they're facing—a Seahawks squad completely reimagined under new head coach Mike Macdonald, ready to prove that the future is now.
I loved my time in Seattle and love the fans and the people... but it’s a game for us. We are going to go play ball.
Pete Carroll is doing his best to downplay the emotion, sticking to his 'it’s a game for us' mantra. But for a city that he electrified for over a decade, his return is a significant moment. He's not alone; he's bringing former Seahawks starting quarterback Geno Smith with him, making Thursday's matchup a full-blown reunion tour. This game serves as the definitive closing of a chapter, a chance for fans to offer a final thank you while simultaneously embracing the new direction of the franchise.
This isn't the Seahawks team of recent memory. With mainstays like DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Geno Smith gone, the team is leaning into a youth movement. The shift has caught the eye of franchise royalty. Seahawks legend Shaun Alexander recently expressed his optimism for the team's revamped direction, predicting a big year. It's a sentiment shared by many fans who are eager to see the hard-nosed, defensive-minded philosophy of Mike Macdonald take shape on the field.
For fans, the preseason opener is all about the new faces. Expect to see a heavy dose of rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe, whose mobility is already creating buzz. He'll be joined by returning QB Drew Lock, who called Seattle 'a special place' upon his return and will also see significant action. Keep an eye on other rookies poised for big roles, including left guard Grey Zabel and safety Nick Emmanwori. Analysts believe the QB mobility of Milroe and Lock could give the Seahawks an edge, especially in the second half as both teams cycle through their depth.
While the big storylines swirl, the front office is still making crucial adjustments. On Tuesday, the team signed defensive back Michael Dowell, long snapper Zach Triner, and running back Anthony Tyus. To make room, running back Donovan Kaufman was waived and defensive back A.J. Finley was placed on injured reserve. These moves are a reminder that every roster spot is being contested as the team sharpens its 53-man roster for the regular season.
Thursday's game is more than an exhibition. It's a collision of past and future, nostalgia and anticipation. It's our first real look at the Mike Macdonald Seahawks, a chance to see how the rookie class performs under the lights, and an opportunity to turn the page. As the 12s welcome back two franchise icons, they'll also be getting their first taste of what the next chapter of Seahawks football will look like. The new era officially begins now.
