John Schneider Just Gave Away the Seahawks’ Plan for Jalen Milroe

When the Seahawks drafted Jalen Milroe in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, most analysts saw him as a developmental quarterback—explosive, raw, and in need of polish. But General Manager John Schneider may have just tipped his hand.

Appearing on The Rich Eisen Show, Schneider dodged a direct question about whether the team would have special packages for Milroe. His answer? “[Milroe is] going to be cool here.” Translation: Yes. That’s a yes, John.

And that shouldn’t surprise anyone. Schneider has been here before. Back in his first year as GM—alongside then head coach Pete Carroll—the Seahawks deployed backup QB Seneca Wallace in special receiver packages. Milroe could easily be the next weapon out of the bag.

So the real question becomes: When does Milroe take over as Seattle’s starting quarterback? I count four possibilities.

1. The Kirk Cousins / Michael Penix Jr. Scenario: Darnold Doesn’t Deliver

I’ll say it up front—I believe in Sam Darnold. I don’t think the Jets or Panthers were competent enough organizations to fairly judge him. And since then, all he’s done is beat out Trey Lance for the backup job in San Francisco and throw 35 touchdowns in a bounce-back year with the Vikings.

But hey—I’ve been wrong before (once or twice). If Darnold struggles in Mike Macdonald’s system this year, Milroe will be waiting in the wings. Don’t be surprised if the Seahawks give the kid a shot sooner than expected.

2. The Dak Prescott / Patrick Mahomes Blueprint: The Rookie Forces the Issue

Sometimes the job just gets taken.

Dak Prescott wasn’t supposed to start in 2016. Then Tony Romo got hurt, and Prescott never gave the job back. Same deal with Mahomes in 2017—Alex Smith rested in Week 17, Mahomes shined, and Smith was traded that offseason.

If Milroe lights it up in packages, spot starts, or late-season action, Darnold could become a $33 million backup. Or a trade chip.

3. The Russell Wilson Playbook: Milroe Wins the Job This Summer

Let’s not forget—this exact scenario already happened in Seattle.

The Seahawks signed Matt Flynn to be their guy, then drafted Russell Wilson in the third round. Wilson balled out in camp and preseason, earned the starting job, and never looked back.

Could lightning strike twice?

If Milroe shows up to training camp and outright wins the job, Mike Macdonald may have no choice but to name him the Week 1 starter. The contract won’t stop them—Darnold’s deal is structured in a way that the team could move on after one year with only $25.6M in dead cap next season.

4. He Doesn’t! It’s Darnold’s Job—Period.

Let’s not overthink it.

This is Sam Darnold’s job to lose. If he plays like I believe he will, Milroe isn’t stealing anything. Darnold might just prove to be the guy—a true franchise quarterback who finally puts it all together in the right system.

And if that happens? Jalen Milroe can enjoy his rookie contract in Seattle, soak up knowledge, flash a little here and there, and hit free agency in four years looking for a starting job elsewhere.

Not every draft pick becomes a starter. Sometimes a team just builds a good room and develops players without rushing them into the fire. If Darnold balls out, Milroe might have to wait until 2029 to show what he can do—with another franchise.

John Schneider may have played it cool on Eisen’s show, but the message was loud and clear: Jalen Milroe is going to play. The only question is—when and how much?