Seahawks' top MVP candidate for 2025 might not be Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold was the prized addition of the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. 

The quarterback earned a big deal after having a career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. Previous starting quarterback Geno Smith was sent to the Las Vegas Raiders, so Darnold has an opportunity to lock down the starting gig for the foreseeable future. 

Elsewhere, the team made some smart moves like selecting offensive lineman Grey Zabel in the first round and bringing in veteran edge-rusher DeMarcus Lawrence in free agency. 

After investing in a new quarterback, though, it's easy to predict that quarterback to have a monster year. However, Brandon Austin of Pro Football Network recently picked the best MVP candidate for each team, and for the Seahawks, Austin didn't go with Darnold. 

Instead, Austin went with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Smith-Njigba is clearly the team's top receiver option after Tyler Lockett was cut and D.K. Metcalf was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers. 

Regarding Smith-Njigba's 2025 outlook, Austin offered the following:

Seattle traded DK Metcalf to the Steelers and added Kupp, who is still a strong player on paper, but injuries have slowed him since his dominant 2021 season.

A fresh start might help Kupp, but Smith-Njigba could become Darnold’s top option. He’s coming off a breakout year — 100 catches, 1,130 yards, and six touchdowns — and earned his first Pro Bowl nod.

Seattle missed the playoffs last year but remained in the hunt. With a top-10 defense and a competent offense, Smith-Njigba could be in for a huge year.

As Austin mentioned, Smith-Njigba had his breakout in 2024 and could be set for an even bigger year in 2025. Cooper Kupp has been elite in the past, but it's been a couple seasons since he's played at that level. 

Elsewhere on the roster, the Seahawks don't have many proven options at receiver. Marquez Valdes-Scantling was also brought in, but the wide receiver profiles mostly as just a deep-threat. Tory Horton and Ricky White III were late-round draft picks who could factor in, but it's clear that Smith-Njigba is WR1.

In 2024, Smith-Njigba caught 100 passes for 1,130 yards and six touchdowns. The Ohio State product earned his first Pro Bowl bid after the incredible season, and showed the WR1 upside the team was hoping to see when they took him in the first round in 2023. 

If Darnold plays even close to how he played in 2024, it won't be surprising to see Smith-Njigba easily surpass 100 catches again in 2025.