Sam Darnold is in a new city, new uniform, and most importantly, a new starter for the Seattle Seahawks. After a breakout 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, the former first-round pick is hoping to carry that momentum into his first year in the Pacific Northwest. And if early vibes mean anything, he’s already locking in with one of the team’s biggest offseason additions: Cooper Kupp.
The Seahawks made headlines when they signed the former Super Bowl MVP to a $45 million deal, signaling a clear shift in direction. Longtime stars DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett are gone, and the franchise is betting big on a new-look offense built around Darnold and Kupp. According to the 27-year-old quarterback, the two are already syncing up behind the scenes.
Sam Darnold Says Cooper Kupp’s All In—Literally
It has only been a short amount of time since Darnold and Kupp became teammates. However, the new Seahawks quarterback is enjoying the developing chemistry with his co-star.
“We’ve been out for the last two weeks or so, Coop has been great,” Darnold told RG.org. “If I can’t find Cooper in the building, I always feel like I can go to the quarterback room and find him. He’s just always got his head in the playbook and trying to learn this as fast as possible.”
It’s a glimpse into Kupp’s elite work ethic, the same trait that made him a legend in L.A. and now one of the most respected players in the NFL. Known for his route precision and mental approach to the game, Kupp isn’t easing into this transition; he’s diving head-first.
With Seattle installing Klint Kubiak’s variation of the Shanahan offense, the former Rams wideout is quickly becoming Darnold’s go-to in meetings and on the field.
This is Darnold’s fifth NFL team in eight years, but it’s his clearest shot at real leadership. After years of bouncing around depth charts, he’s finally the guy. And he’s not just building chemistry with Kupp; he’s mentoring rookie QB Jalen Milroe.
“He’s a heck of a player,” Darnold said of the former Alabama star. “I’m excited to continue to help him grow as a quarterback. But I’m always open to learning from anybody. I’m sure I’ll learn a couple things from him as well.”
Milroe, a dual-threat prospect with huge upside, brings explosiveness that Seattle could creatively tap into early. But Darnold remains the face of the offense for now.
A Revamped Offense With Real Expectations
Seattle didn’t just bring in Kupp and Darnold. They invested heavily in the offense through the draft, selecting guard Grey Zabel in the first round and tight end Elijah Arroyo in the third. Nine of their 11 picks were on offense. It’s clear they’re trying to give Darnold everything he needs to succeed.
Kupp arrives with 7,776 career receiving yards and 57 touchdowns. But even more than the numbers, he’s bringing championship DNA and a mindset that matches what Darnold and Kubiak are trying to establish.
That urgency is showing up early, and it starts with No. 10 and No. 18 working like vets with something to prove.
