Seahawks Face Crucial Decision at Quarterback as Shedeur Sanders Enters the Conversation.
The Seattle Seahawks are quickly approaching a critical juncture with veteran quarterback Geno Smith. By March, the organization must decide whether to commit to Smith for another season or explore other options, as he’s due $16 million in guarantees if he remains on the roster. While Smith’s steady play has provided stability, the Seahawks may be tempted to turn the page and invest in a younger, more cost-effective option at quarterback.
Enter the 2025 NFL Draft, where two top-tier quarterback prospects dominate the conversation: Miami’s Cam Ward and Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders. Both are projected as top-five picks, but with Seattle holding the 18th overall selection, their chances of landing either appear slim. Still, the Seahawks are doing their homework.
According to Justin Melo of Seahawks Wire, the team recently met with Shedeur Sanders during the East-West Shrine Bowl, signaling potential interest in the Colorado standout.
Seahawks’ Meeting with Sanders
“The all-star circuit is currently underway, with both the East-West Shrine and Senior Bowl simultaneously ongoing,” Melo reported. “While at the East-West Shrine, members of the Seahawks’ brass held an in-person meeting with Colorado Buffaloes quarterback Shedeur Sanders.”
Sanders, the son of NFL Hall of Famer and Colorado head coach Deion Sanders, has been one of the most electrifying players in college football. Deion has played a significant role in guiding his son’s career and could continue to influence where Shedeur lands in the NFL.
While the Tennessee Titans currently hold the No. 1 overall pick and are the presumed favorites to select Sanders, there’s a possibility another team could trade up to snag him. For the Seahawks, meeting with Sanders now is more about doing their due diligence than preparing to draft him. If the stars align in the future, Seattle may find themselves in a position to acquire him via trade if he becomes available.
Why Sanders Fits the Seahawks
Even though drafting Sanders is a long shot, there’s a reason he’s an intriguing fit for the Seahawks’ system. Sanders mirrors many of the qualities that make Geno Smith effective. He’s accurate, decisive, and capable of throwing to all levels of the field. Additionally, his mobility allows him to extend plays and punish defenses with his legs.
Over the past two seasons, Sanders has delivered jaw-dropping numbers, completing 71.8% of his passes for over 7,300 yards, 64 touchdowns, and just 13 interceptions. He averaged more than 300 passing yards per game while earning a 160.4 quarterback rating. For his efforts, Sanders was named the 2024 Big 12 Offensive Player of the Year.
What’s Next for Seattle?
While the Seahawks’ meeting with Sanders is noteworthy, it’s unlikely to lead to a dramatic move up the draft board. Seattle would need a significant package of assets to even consider trading into the top five, and given the team’s other roster needs, such a move seems impractical.
Instead, Seattle may opt to stick with Geno Smith for another season while addressing other areas of need. Alternatively, they could draft a developmental quarterback later in the draft or explore the trade market for a veteran signal-caller.
For now, the focus remains on evaluating every option. Whether it’s Geno Smith, Shedeur Sanders, or another quarterback, one thing is certain: the Seahawks’ decision at the position will shape their immediate and long-term future.