Loser No. 1
Sam Darnold - Seahawks quarterback
Darnold is going to be the starter in Week 1, and he should be the starter throughout the season. He can't get hurt, though. For one, his presumed backup is Drew Lock, and Lock has a history with Seattle and Schneider. The GM knows what he can give to the team, and Schneider has confidence in Lock, or he would not have re-signed him in free agency.
The biggest issue for Darnold is that if he struggles and the Seahawks need to adjust the quarterback situation, Milroe could end up getting some time later in the season. If he does well, Darnold might turn out to be a one-year rental.
He was signed for three seasons and as much as $100.5 million, but he has no guaranteed money in years two or three. The Seahawks could move on from him fairly easily after one year. He is going to need to continue to play well even into year two, though, because Milroe is younger and cheaper.
Winner No. 2
Riq Woolen - Seahawks cornerback
Woolen is entering the final season of his rookie deal. He has been inconsistent over his first three years in terms of his willingness to help stop the run, and he appears to misunderstand coverage communication at times. Two seasons ago, he struggled mightily with crossing patterns, for instance.
But looking at his raw numbers, he is a 2022 fifth-round steal. His career quarterback rating allowed is just 78.7. While he has allowed 14 career touchdown receptions, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), he has almost as many interceptions (11).
PFF also gave him an excellent run defense grade in 2024 of 76.2. The number was by far the best of Woolen's career.
The Seahawks appear to have faith in the cornerback as well. The team did not draft a cornerback in 2025. This would imply that Seattle either plans on taking one early in the 2026 draft. Or, more likely, hopes to work out an extension with Woolen before he becomes a free agent next offseason.