It's almost customary in the NFL for teams to sparingly, if at all, play their starters at the beginning of the preseason. If they do get on the field, it's usually only for a drive or two. Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has already said he won't be playing the starters in Thursday's preseason opener against the Las Vegas Raiders — now

As for Seattle, they made a quarterback splash of their own. After trading away Smith, the Seahawks went out and signed Sam Darnold, the prized quarterback of free agency. Seattle’s 10-7 record wasn’t enough to reach the postseason in 2024, so they’re looking for redemption this season.