In a recent NFL quarterback re-draft conducted by CBS Sports, the Seattle Seahawks made a surprising and contentious choice by selecting 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy over notable options like Sam Darnold. This exercise, which rearranged quarterback picks league-wide, ignited debate among fans as it comes just after the Seahawks’ preseason opener and weeks ahead of the regular season kickoff.
Patrick Mahomes led the re-draft as the first overall pick to the Saints, followed by Josh Allen heading to the Browns and Lamar Jackson to the Jets. When the Seahawks’ turn arrived, instead of opting for familiar or available quarterbacks such as Darnold, Kyler Murray, or Baker Mayfield, the choice fell on Purdy, a division rival’s signal-caller who recently signed a lucrative contract extension with San Francisco.
Arguments Supporting Brock Purdy as Seahawks’ Quarterback
CBS highlighted Purdy‘s compatibility with Seattle’s current offensive scheme under offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who was San Francisco’s passing game coordinator during Purdy’s standout 2023 season. CBS elaborated:
“Purdy just got paid big bucks by Seattle’s chief rival, the 49ers, but he’d fit right in commanding the Seahawks now that Klint Kubiak is calling the plays in the Emerald City; Kubiak was San Francisco’s passing game coordinator when Purdy enjoyed an MVP-caliber 2023 campaign that ended in the Super Bowl. It’s true that other pocket passers could offer additional experience, but at 25, Purdy also fits the bill as a potential long-term leader for the franchise. He wouldn’t be lacking trusty pass outlets, either, in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp.” —CBS Sports
This reasoning points to Purdy’s age, style of play, and established rapport with key offensive targets such as Smith-Njigba and Kupp as factors that could translate well to the Seahawks’ offense, aiming for a consistent leader at quarterback.
Context and Criticism of Purdy’s Performance
While Purdy’s statistical output seems strong on the surface, critics argue that these numbers are inflated by the exceptional supporting cast around him in San Francisco. Purdy benefits from the league’s top offensive coordinator, an elite left tackle, a premier tight end, one of the league’s best running backs, a high-quality receiving group, and a dominant defense backing him up.
Comparatively, other quarterbacks, including those still available in the re-draft like Mayfield, Murray, and notably Sam Darnold, might provide similar or greater potential without the reliance on such surroundings. The argument follows that many quarterbacks could achieve success in Purdy’s situation, which raises questions about his true individual ability.
The Seahawks’ new defensive coordinator, Mike Macdonald, will have an early opportunity to test Purdy‘s limits when the 49ers visit Seattle in Week 1, potentially exposing weaknesses masked by San Francisco’s superior support.
Remaining Options and the Unanswered Debate
This choice by the Seahawks has generated tension among fans, particularly because Sam Darnold, another quarterback linked to the team, remained available at this stage of the re-draft. The decision to pick a rival’s player over Darnold, who has shown flashes during his career and fits a more traditional quarterback mold, seems puzzling to many observers.
While Purdy’s connection with Kubiak is a factor, the selection underscores the difficult quarterback situation Seattle faces and the challenge of balancing scheme fit with raw talent and leadership potential. As the preseason progresses and the regular season begins, observers will watch closely to see if this bet on Purdy pays off or if Darnold or other veterans might prove the more viable option in reality rather than hypothetical drafts.