The Seattle Seahawks, like many other NFL teams, are always on the search for players they think could potentially help the team win a game or two. This might not mean that the team signs a free agent during the season and that player immediately makes an impact. Maybe they never do.
But if a move is made, there is usually a corresponding move to another player. Possibly not a release, but certainly a shake-up on the depth chart. Seattle took a recent look at a player at an unexpected position, however, and that might mean something greater for rookie Jalen Milroe.
Some fans argued before the season, while not presuming to have much faith in free agent acquisition Sam Darnold, that Milroe should get a chance to start for Seattle in 2025. Darnold might revert to his pre-2024 form, so the season might be sunk anyway. At least give Milroe a chance, was some of the thinking.
Seattle Seahawks reportedly bring in quarterback Hendon Hooker for a visit
Darnold has been quite good (Week 11 aside), however, and when Milroe has gotten a few snaps, bad things have happened. He has played in three games, but none since Week 5, and has run the ball three times for four yards. His fumble on a failed pitch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers destroyed some momentum Seattle was building early in the game.
But has Milroe not been as sharp in practice as the Seahawks hoped? After all, there must be some reason that Seattle brought in failed Detroit Lions 2023 draft pick Hendon Hooker for a visit in the days before Week 12.
Sometimes, a team will bring in a player who can do unique things for a tryout before facing a team with a talented player who does those same kinds of unique things. That isn't the case with Week 12 and Hooker, though. Hooker can run well and is an accurate passer, but he doesn't do anything Milroe can't do, and Hooker doesn't play like Tennessee Titans quarterback Cam Ward.
Hooker spent 2024 with the Lions after a standout college career following his transfer to the University of Tennessee. The quarterback didn't have much of a chance to play for Detroit, and head coach Dan Campbell suggested a change of scenery for Hooker. He was released by Detroit, found his way to the Carolina Panthers, but was recently released by them.
Obviously, Hooker's visit means nothing for Sam Darnold or QB2 Drew Lock, and even if he isn't signed, clearly the Seattle Seahawks are kicking the proverbial tires on quarterbacks. That might mean something bad for Jalen Milroe.