Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is actively adapting to the Seahawks offense this offseason by drawing on his prior experience with similar concepts during his time in San Francisco. While still learning under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, Darnold is already helping his teammates grasp the system, demonstrating leadership even as a newcomer.

Darnold Finds Familiarity in New Offensive Scheme

Sam Darnold has acknowledged that several aspects of the Seahawks offensive system resonate with what he encountered last season with the San Francisco 49ers. However, he emphasizes that he is absorbing more details and building chemistry with his teammates gradually. Darnold said,

“There’s some familiar things that obviously we did in San Francisco,”

and added,

“But just learning a ton, learning a ton right now and just like I mentioned kind of before, just building with the guys and taking it one day at a time.”

This overlap in concepts allows Darnold to serve as a resource for others on the offense. He invites teammates to approach him with questions, helping clarify the subtleties of their playbook. He explained,

“I think understanding the offense a little bit, coming from San Francisco, what we did in ’23 and with Klint. I told the guys any questions that you got come up to me, ask me anything. And I think that’s the biggest thing is just continuing to talk back and forth with the guys about the certain routes and the details.”

Key Players Showing Growth and Leadership Across Teams

At San Francisco, linebackers coach Johnny Holland praised Dee Winters as the most improved linebacker this offseason, highlighting Winters’ developing leadership skills. Holland remarked,

“Dee Winters improved so much from his first year to his second year,”

and further explained,

“Unfortunately, last year he split reps and he was nicked up, but Dee Winters probably has been our most improved linebacker from Year 2 to this year. I see it now, his leadership ability. Dee Winters always had athletic ability. He can run and hit and be explosive. But he has a good positive energy, he communicates well and he just needs to continue to get better with reps. I think he and Nick Martin and Fred Warner are three really good linebackers for us.”

Meanwhile, 49ers quarterback Mac Jones credited Brock Purdy, the team’s starting quarterback, as a significant influence in his decision to join San Francisco. Jones described Purdy’s playing style as precise, timely, and cerebral, traits Jones hopes to emulate to regain consistency. He shared,

“Being a fan from afar, just the way he plays the game — very precise, very on time, very cerebral,”

and added,

“All things that I’ve done at some points in my career and I just want to get more consistent at that. So being here and learning from him … I think it’s going to really benefit me and get me back playing how I know I can play.”

Jones and Purdy’s relationship dates back to their time at Alabama, where Jones once hosted Purdy for an official visit. Jones recalled,

“We got to hang out and eat dinner and then go back and play computer games at my apartment,”

and noted,

“We always talk about that and how crazy the world works. His story is so cool to me.”

Brock Purdy also praised wide receiver Jacob Cowing for his impressive route running and leadership during the offseason training activities (OTAs). Purdy said,

“Cowing’s had great OTAs so far,”

and noted,

“He’s getting in and out of cuts and he’s the first one to lead lines and show guys how routes are supposed to be run. He’s making a huge leap there.”

Building Team Communication and Chemistry in Seattle

Sam Darnold’s proactive communication and willingness to support the Seahawks offense reflects a hopeful and determined approach as he gains familiarity with his new team’s systems. By openly encouraging questions from teammates and investing time in refining the finer points of the offense, Darnold is not only easing the learning curve but also fostering stronger connections on the field. His experience and leadership contribute to the Seahawks’ efforts to integrate new players and sharpen their collective performance ahead of the upcoming season.

As the offseason progresses, Darnold’s blend of past experience and present willingness to learn positions him as a pivotal figure within Seattle’s offensive unit. His engagement marks a promising step toward solidifying the Seahawks’ offense and aims to help the team reach greater competitiveness.