See how Sam Darnold and Coach Mike Macdonald are leading a new-look Seattle Seahawks in July 2025 training camp after trading Metcalf and Smith. A new era begins.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
After an offseason that saw the Seahawks trade away franchise cornerstones DK Metcalf and Geno Smith, a sense of uncertainty was understandable. But as the dust settles and training camp heats up, a new picture is emerging: one of a re-energized, disciplined, and surprisingly cohesive team. Early reports paint a portrait of a squad buying into a new culture, led by a confident Sam Darnold and a defense re-forged in the image of Head Coach Mike Macdonald.
There's a rising level of competition... everyone's communicating and flying around.
The biggest question mark entering camp was Sam Darnold, and so far, he's answering the call. Signed to a hefty 3-year, $100.5 million contract, the pressure is on, but reports praise his accuracy and toughness. In his first interviews as the undisputed QB1, Darnold spoke of his excitement and the unique team culture in Seattle, emphasizing building relationships. This aligns with Coach Macdonald's new approach, which has seen coaches occasionally pause practice to focus on mental preparation and ensure the new schemes are being absorbed correctly. It's a sign of a new, detail-oriented philosophy taking hold.
On the other side of the ball, the change is just as dramatic. Veteran defensive end Leonard Williams confirmed the intensity, telling media the team is adjusting well to Macdonald's complex defensive scheme. He praised the communication and unity, shouting out the growth of rookie Byron Murphy II and the friendly but fierce competition between newcomers DeMarcus Lawrence and Derick Hall. With veterans like Williams and Lawrence (signed for 3 years, $32.5 million) leading the charge, the defense is aiming to be a formidable, disciplined unit once again.
Without DK Metcalf, the offensive identity is shifting. The early consensus is that Seattle will lean heavily on its dynamic running back duo of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet. This strategy is supported by what's being called a 'free agent steal' on the offensive line, which has impressed mightily in early drills. The addition of veteran tackle Josh Jones and reliable receiver Cooper Kupp (3 years, $45 million) provides Darnold with the protection and savvy targets needed to execute a more controlled, run-heavy offensive attack. This isn't the Seahawks offense of old; it's being rebuilt from the trenches out.
The pieces are on the board for a radically different Seahawks team. The front office made its high-stakes bets on Darnold, a revamped defense, and a ground-and-pound identity. Now, the work begins to mold these disparate parts into a cohesive, winning unit. The energy is palpable and the reports are glowing, but the true test will come when the lights are on. All eyes will be on the first preseason game to see if this new era starts with a bang or a whimper.
