The Seahawks made a major change under center ahead of the 2025 season, trading longtime starter Geno Smith and inking former Vikings star Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal.
Their decision was an inspired one. Darnold spearheaded an attack that ranked as one of the league's best during the regular season, landing his second Pro Bowl selection in the process. The team enjoyed plenty of success, too; led by Darnold and a harrowing defense, Seattle went 14-3, climbing to the top of the NFC standings and landing a No. 1 seed.
Darnold is arguably Seattle's most important player. But what is the QB depth chart behind him? Who would rise to the title of starter if he was forced off the field at any point? Here's what you need to know.
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Who is the Seahawks' backup quarterback?
Darnold's understudy is Drew Lock. A former Missouri standout and second-round pick in the 2019 NFL draft, Lock is in his second stint in Seattle. He started two games for the team in 2023, posting a 1-1 record with 543 yards, three touchdowns and three interceptions. Lock has played sparingly across his six year career, starting 28 contests.
Darnold has enjoyed a clean bill of health throughout the year, starting each of Seattle's 17 regular-season fixtures. Lock, meanwhile, was held to three pass attempts on the year, although his experience under center should offer a platform for the Seahawks to succeed in the event that Darnold is forced off the field.
A hulking passer with a lively arm, Lock has the skillset to keep Seattle's offense humming. He isn't anywhere near as mobile as Darnold and accuracy issues have plagued his play throughout his career. Nevertheless, Mike Macdonald's side should be able to keep Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Co. Involved.
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Seahawks QB depth chart
| Rank | Name |
| 1. | Sam Darnold |
| 2. | Drew Lock |
| 3. | Jalen Milroe |
Darnold is the clear QB1 in the Emerald City, having enjoyed a glistening maiden campaign with Seattle. The 28-year-old earned his second Pro Bowl nod in as many seasons in 2025, eclipsing the 4,000-yard mark while tossing 25 touchdowns to 14 interceptions.
Lock is the next in command. With 28 starts across six seasons, he is a proven option under center, although he is unlikely to reach Darnold's heights in the long-run.
Rounding out the list of options in Seattle's QB room is rookie Jalen Milroe. The Alabama alum performed admirably during his time in Tuscaloosa, finding success with his arm and legs across four years with the Crimson Tide.
Milroe's lively arm and sprinter-like speed could be a boon for the Seahawks' attack if Darnold were to miss time. It's not out of the question for Klint Kubiak to employ him in some packages if Darnold is forced out, even if Lock takes the reins as the team's starter.
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