After missing the playoffs last season, the Seattle Seahawks are entering training camp with a renewed sense of urgency. With new faces brought in through the NFL Draft and offseason acquisitions, there’s palpable anticipation surrounding how these additions will shake up the roster.
For the veterans, it’s a wake-up call — complacency won’t be tolerated, and roster spots are anything but guaranteed. Head coach Mike Macdonald has made it clear that competition will be fierce, and every snap in camp will matter as players vie for playing time and a place on the final roster.
Veterans will be pushed to the limit to prove themselves in front of the coaching staff. The focus is on securing a starting role and demonstrating versatility and consistency, as the team seeks to build a more well-rounded roster.
These Seahawks veterans might not want to get too comfortable
For those on the bubble, each practice rep and preseason game is a critical opportunity to make a lasting impression, knowing that the margin for error is razor thin in a camp where no position is safe.
Quarterback Drew Lock
Quarterback Drew Lock shouldn’t get too comfortable in Seattle despite signing a deal in the offseason. The Seahawks made a bold move by bringing in Sam Darnold on a massive contract, signaling a clear shift in their quarterback plans.
Darnold is expected to take over as the starter, leaving the backup role as the only spot for Lock to compete for. With training camp closing in, every snap and every throw will be scrutinized. Lock tries to prove he still has value on this roster.
Adding even more pressure to the situation is the arrival of rookie Jalen Milroe from Alabama, a dual-threat quarterback with intriguing upside. Milroe’s presence creates further competition, as the Seahawks may opt to develop the rookie as a potential long-term option under center.
For Lock, it’s not just about holding onto the No. 2 spot — it’s about showing he can still be a viable asset in a quarterback room that suddenly feels crowded. The battle for the backup role will be one of the more compelling storylines to watch as the preseason unfolds.
Safety Coby Bryant
The Seahawks’ decision to draft safety Nick Emmanwori in the second round could have significant implications for the secondary, particularly for those on the roster bubble. If Emmanwori impresses in camp, it might spell trouble for players like Coby Bryant, who suddenly finds himself in a precarious position.
With cornerbacks Riq Woolen and Devon Witherspoon firmly entrenched as starters, the competition for remaining spots in the secondary will be intense, and Bryant’s future in Seattle could hinge on how well he performs in the coming weeks.
K’Von Wallace with the boom, Coby Bryant with the interception.
— Dugar, Michael-Shawn (@MikeDugar) August 10, 2024
New regime but “tips and overthrows” still the motto pic.twitter.com/gXxs5L3U6F
Head coach Mike Macdonald has clarified that every position is up for grabs, and Emmanwori’s arrival only adds to the pressure. The rookie’s versatility and physicality could make him a valuable asset in the secondary, potentially pushing a player like Bryant to the fringes.
While Bryant has had moments of promise, the emergence of Emmanwori could force the Seahawks to make some tough decisions, particularly if the rookie flashes the playmaking ability that made him a second-round pick.
Tight end Noah Fant
The Seahawks made a statement early in the offseason by trading away star wide receiver DK Metcalf and quarterback Geno Smith, signaling a clear shift in direction. Those bold moves set the stage for a roster overhaul as the team looks to reshape its identity under head coach Mike Macdonald.
With the draft bringing in a fresh wave of talent, the message is clear — no position is safe, and the competition for playing time is about to intensify.
One of the more intriguing additions was tight end Elijah Arroyo, selected in the second round, a move that raised eyebrows given the current depth at the position. The expectation is that the Seahawks will make every effort to get the rookie involved this season, which could spell trouble for tight end Noah Fant.
Once considered a key piece in the Russell Wilson trade, Fant finds himself in a precarious spot as Macdonald continues shaping the roster in his image. Fant’s role and future in Seattle could quickly be questioned if Arroyo shines in camp.