The Seattle Seahawks don’t have to ponder who their starting quarterback will be in 2026, but the Super Bowl champions don’t have to ignore the position completely when the NFL Draft comes around next week.
Former Illinois quarterback Luke Altmyer recently revealed in an interview with Sports Illustrated that the Seahawks are among the teams he’s met in a virtual setting, which doesn’t count toward top 30 visits.
JM: There’s no doubt about that. You’ve been very busy with pre-draft meetings throughout
this process as well.
Luke Altmyer: I’ve definitely been very busy. I’ve met with the Las Vegas Raiders, Cincinnati Bengals, Jacksonville Jaguars, Seattle Seahawks, Green Bay Packers, Kansas City Chiefs, Philadelphia Eagles, and Indianapolis Colts.
Those have been the most recent virtual meetings. All of them were fairly in depth. I’ve also spent some time talking with the Baltimore Ravens lately as well. I’ve been very busy. These teams are getting ready to make their NFL Draft decisions. I’ve just been trying to do my part.
Altmyer threw 57 touchdowns and 21 interceptions over 35 starts with the fighting Illini. He began his college career at Ole Miss, where he only made one start over two seasons before transferring from SEC country to the Big Ten. Altmyer was considered one of the better quarterback performers at this year’s Senior Bowl in Mobile.
Here’s the skinny on Altmyer from Dane Brugler of The Athletic:
A three-year starter at Illinois, Altmyer was productive in offensive coordinator Barry Lunney Jr.’s balanced, pro-style scheme. He helped the Illini combine for 19 wins over the past two seasons and finished his Illinois career ranked No. 1 in program history in completion percentage (64.4) and No. 2 in touchdown passes (57). His “clutch” gene showed up frequently, as he led the Illini offense to seven game-winning drives in the final minute or overtime during his career.
Though nothing about his physical skill set will wow you, Altmyer makes the most of his talent and competes with the intelligence and mental fortitude required for the next level. His arm strength and accuracy are average, but he knows how to touch up throws and plays with a pre-snap plan to get the ball into the hands of his weapons.
In all likelihood, Altmyer will either be a very late Day 3 pick or an undrafted free agent. While the Seahawks have Sam Darnold, Drew Lock (albeit on the last year of his contract), and 2025 third-round pick Jalen Milroe on the roster, it’s hardly rare to see a team take a flyer on a late-round or UDFA QB. Seattle did this with Alex McGough back in 2018 when he was selected in the seventh.
Hey, let’s check out some Luke Altmyer highlights!
