For the first 14 years of John Schneider’s tenure with the Seattle Seahawks, he didn’t have final say over the roster. That ability went to head coach Pete Carroll, rather than the general manager. Since Carroll was basically let go after the 2023 season, Schneider has been busy remaking the team.
A new coach has been hired (and Mike Macdonald seems to be doing an excellent job), and the offense looks a lot different than it did in Carroll's final year. Sam Darnold is the new quarterback, and like his head coach, he is also doing a good job so far. Schneider clearly has a good idea of what he is doing.
In fact, while many of the newer players and his draft picks are doing fairly well, Schneider's real brilliance might be proven by the players he let go. Moving on from a starter or three is a difficult thing to do, but if a GM believes he can make his team better, he has to make the moves.
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider appears to have won the offseason
Most notably, Schneider dealt quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, where Pete Carroll is now the head coach, for a third-round pick. Basically, Schneider swapped Smith for Darnold, and the Seahawks are much better off.
Smith has been terrible for Vegas, leading the NFL in interceptions with 10 (through Week 7), and his 77.1 quarterback rating is the lowest of any season he has been a full-time starter since his rookie year of 2013. Many Raiders fans have also clamored to have him benched.
Meanwhile, Darnold currently has a career-high quarterback rating of 109.2 and has tossed 12 touchdown passes versus just four interceptions. His total QBR is 72.6, fifth in the league.
Wide receiver Tyler Lockett was likely even a tougher player to let go for Schneider, at least emotionally. The fan favorite and generally amazing person had a massive cap hit, and the Seahawks saved $17 million when he was released.
Unfortunately, he failed after signing with the Tennessee Titans. He caught just 10 passes for 70 yards through Week 7, and asked for, and was granted, his release. He is currently a free agent.
John Schneider also traded wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second-round choice in 2025. Metcalf is having a decent season, but not one that surpasses an average year with Seattle. He is averaging 3.7 receptions a game with Pittsburgh, but averaged 4.5 with Seattle. He is also averaging just two more yards receiving per game.
In essence, Schneider traded Metcalf to draft safety Nick Emmanwori. The rookie missed some games with an ankle injury, but has impressed since he returned. He is going to be a long-term impact player for the Seahawks.
No player traded or released this past offseason by the Seattle Seahawks has trended much better. Meanwhile, their replacements have the team at 5-2, even while suffering several injuries. If any general manager won this offseason, it is John Schneider.