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The preseason serves as an opportunity to make an impact and cement a roster spot but unfortunately, it’s a double edged sword — and Seattle Seahawks second-year quarterback Jalen Milroe learned that. After disappointing performances against the Dallas Cowboys and Tennessee Titans, opinions are mixed on whether his time with Seattle has
reached its end.
In an extremely tight poll, fans still believe Milroe has the support of the organization and see him making the 53-man roster with 54% of votes trending in that direction. However, 31% view the former third-round pick getting waived and 15% think the Seahawks will opt to trade him.
Although he’s shown little promise since being drafted, Seattle doesn’t particularly stand to benefit from moving on after just one season. It’s worth remembering Milroe is in the second of his four-year, $6.2 million rookie contract so his release wouldn’t do much to ease the cap situation.
From a performance standpoint, it seems risky to enter the season with just two quarterbacks (Sam Darnold and Drew Lock) on the roster. If the Seahawks opted to do so and cut Milroe, it would likely occur for one of two reasons; to add depth at a position of need or reward a training camp/preseason standout. Luckily for the young quarterback, wideout Montorie Foster Jr. is the lone candidate who’s unexpectedly performed at a level where the team would be foolish to cut him.
You could make an argument for newly signed cornerback Trevon Diggs who’s appeared to be reliable in his time with the team so far, but it’d be much more realistic envisioning Seattle moving him to the practice squad — unless he hits the field looking like his 2021 self in the Seahawks’ final preseason game.
Based on his previous performances, the hope should be Milroe makes the team once again and continues to take steps in his development, but doesn’t have to enter a game this season. That way, his fit within the organization becomes much clearer heading into the third year of his rookie contract and if he still isn’t showing signs of improvement, it’ll be far easier to cut ties.
As for those who believe it’s in Seattle’s best interest to move on from the second-year quarterback, there’s certainly reason to back it up.
Coming out of Alabama, he was viewed as a boom-or-bust candidate, largely in part to his eye-popping speed and rushing ability, but inability to be a consistent decision maker and accurate passer. Despite limited playing time, the former third-round pick hasn’t done much to ease those concerns. Through two preseason games, he’s netted a measly 88 passing yards to go alongside no touchdowns and two interceptions while also taking five sacks — one of which came on a costly fourth down against the Tennessee Titans last week.
With teams required to release their 53-man rosters on August 30, time is running out for Milroe to prove his worth and his last chance will come in Friday’s preseason finale against the Chiefs. Head coach Mike Macdonald named him the starting quarterback and unlike their first two games, he’ll remain under center the entire night.
The reality is, Milroe has factors working in his favor to make the 53-man roster, but his spot is far from safe. Friday’s game will certainly provide Macdonald and general manager John Schneider a clearer vision of how and more importantly, if he plays a role in the team’s future.
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