Let’s get this out of the way first: this is not an argument for the Seattle Seahawks drafting a quarterback.
Seattle appears comfortable with its current setup. Sam Darnold is the starter, Drew Lock is the backup, and Jalen Milroe is still developing. With just four picks in this draft, using one on a quarterback doesn’t make much sense. A move involving the position feels more likely to come through a trade between quarterbacks already on the roster than by adding a new one — even if that scenario
isn’t particularly likely either.
So where does Ty Simpson come into play?
The Seahawks’ need to trade down is pretty clear. They haven’t pulled it off since 2019, and reports indicate they’ve tried in recent drafts without success. This year might be different. In an interview on Monday, the front office showed interest in moving back. Their pre-draft visits point in the same direction: plenty of Day 3 prospects, but only one Day 3 pick — a sixth-rounder. There’s a gap there, and the only real way to fix it is by adding more selections.
That’s where Simpson matters.
This isn’t a particularly deep or high-end draft class, which usually limits how aggressive teams are about trading up. But quarterbacks change the equation. Simpson, viewed as the QB2 in the class, is expected to go early in the second round — right in that range where teams start positioning themselves.
Teams like the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets, sitting at the top of the second round and both needing a quarterback, could have real incentive to move up — whether to secure Simpson or to jump ahead of each other. The fifth-year option attached to pick No. 32 only adds to that appeal.
For that to work in Seattle’s favor, Simpson likely needs to still be on the board at 32.
Beyond that, there are other possible trade partners. The New York Giants, with two top-10 picks, have the flexibility to move around and potentially add another first-round asset without paying a premium. The Raiders could also be in play, looking to move up for a better fit — possibly targeting a wide receiver to support their new quarterback, Fernando Mendoza.
Seattle wants to trade down, but it needs a trade partner. If a team is eager to move up to select the former Alabama quarterback, the Seahawks could capitalize and gain extra picks. Remember that interested teams can make a trade with other options (30, 31, 32).
