John Rhys Plumlee #18 of the Pittsburgh Steelers
In a flurry of moves on Wednesday, the Seattle Seahawks have signed former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback John Rhys Plumlee, bolstering their quarterback depth as the season moves forward. Plumlee, who was most recently released from the Jacksonville Jaguars’ practice squad on November 12, will now look to make his mark in Seattle after a whirlwind journey through the NFL.
Plumlee’s NFL Journey: From Undrafted Free Agent to Seahawks
Plumlee’s path to Seattle has been anything but conventional. After a standout career at the University of Central Florida (UCF), Plumlee went undrafted in 2023. However, the Pittsburgh Steelers saw something in him and signed him as an undrafted free agent, offering him the chance to compete at quarterback—a position he was most passionate about.
During training camp with the Steelers, Plumlee was given opportunities to show his skills under center. However, the Steelers also experimented with him in other roles, including kick returner and wide receiver, which highlighted his versatility. Despite impressing with his athleticism, Plumlee was ultimately cut during Pittsburgh’s final roster decisions.
After being waived, Plumlee didn’t have to wait long for another opportunity. He received multiple offers and ultimately chose to sign with the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he continued to work as a quarterback. While Jacksonville clearly valued his skills at the position, Plumlee was never able to crack the active roster, and he was released from their practice squad earlier this month.
Seattle’s Bold Gamble on Plumlee’s Potential
For the Seahawks, signing Plumlee represents a calculated gamble. With a packed quarterback room that already includes Geno Smith and Drew Lock, Plumlee’s path to playing time is unclear. However, the Seahawks are no strangers to taking chances on young, raw talent, and Plumlee’s potential as a dual-threat quarterback could be something they’re keen to explore.
At 23 years old, Plumlee still has plenty of time to develop. Though his time in Pittsburgh and Jacksonville saw him bounce between positions, he remains determined to make his mark as a quarterback first and foremost. For now, Seattle will give him the opportunity to prove himself in that role, and if that doesn’t work out, Plumlee may have to consider other positions—similar to the careers of former quarterbacks-turned-receivers like Julian Edelman and others.
Plumlee’s athleticism is undeniable. His ability to make plays with his legs, combined with his experience in multiple positions, could provide the Seahawks with an interesting project moving forward. He may not be ready to start anytime soon, but his unique skill set gives the team flexibility and another developmental option behind Smith and Lock.
What’s Next for Plumlee?
For Plumlee, this is another chance to prove himself in the NFL, and it’s one he’s unlikely to take for granted. While he remains focused on quarterback as his primary position, he knows that the road to a long-term career in the league may involve adapting to different roles—something he is clearly open to.
His story mirrors that of many NFL players, fighting to stay relevant in a league that often values versatility and adaptability over specialization. If he can prove himself in practice and earn the trust of Seattle’s coaching staff, Plumlee could earn a chance to take the field in the regular season, potentially competing for a backup role or even a future starting spot.
As for the Seahawks, they have yet another young quarterback on the roster with something to prove. With a solid developmental program and a coaching staff known for maximizing the talent of players in less conventional positions, Seattle could very well be the place where Plumlee finally gets the opportunity he’s been seeking.
While his journey has been far from linear, Plumlee’s story is far from over. With the Seahawks giving him a shot, he will have every chance to showcase his talents and fight for a spot in the NFL’s most competitive quarterback landscape. Whether or not he sticks in Seattle as a quarterback—or makes the move to a new position—remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: John Rhys Plumlee is determined to make the most of his next opportunity.
