Klint Kubiak, the Seattle Seahawks’ new offensive coordinator, faces a massive task in the 2025 NFL season. Coming off a dismal 5-12 season in New Orleans with a 21st ranked offense, the move to Seattle might have seemed like a relief. Seattle presented itself with a serviceable quarterback in Geno Smith, a solid running back duo consisting of Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet and the wide receiver trio of Tyler Lockett, DK Metcalf and Jackson Smith-Njigba. In a whirlwind first couple of weeks the Seahawks completely upended their roster by trading Geno Smith to the Raiders to reunite him with his former HC Pete Carroll, Metcalf was dealt to the Pittsburgh Steelers and fan-favorite Lockett was released. These shifts, combined with a tough NFC West division and internal pressures, creates a high-stakes challenge for Kubiak.
The quarterback transition to Sam Darnold is Kubiak’s most immediate hurdle. Acquired to replace Geno Smith, Darnold brings a mix of arm talent and inconsistency. His 2024 stint in Minnesota, 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns was undoubtedly his best season in his career, but his 63.1% completion rate and propensity for turnovers raise red flags. Kubiak’s scheme, which thrives on quick reads and play-action, suits Darnold’s mobility, but demands precision. The upside of this is that Darnold is familiar with Kubiak’s play calling having spent a year together in San Francisco. For this offense to take off and succeed, Kubiak must tailor his playbook to mask the quarterback’s flaws while building confidence in a new system.
The loss of DK Metcalf via trade is a gut punch to the offense in Seattle. Metcalf’s size and speed combination was a large contribution to Seattle’s passing game, drawing double-teams and opening underneath routes. Without him, Kubiak must rely on Jaxon Smith-Njigba, now the WR1, to handle elite cornerbacks, a tall order for the 23-year-old. Smith-Njigba’s 2024 stat line (100 catches, 1130 yards) is very telling of why he was a first round pick in 2023, but without DK as a decoy, defensive coordinators will put pressure on the third year receiver. Kubiak’s ability to scheme open looks for JSN through motion and misdirection will be critical.
Releasing Tyler Lockett, a beloved veteran, further depleted the receiving corps. Lockett’s savvy route-running and clutch catches were invaluable, and his departure leaves a leadership void. With the signing All-Pro Cooper Kupp, Kubiak does have another reliable pass-catcher outside JSN. His playbook leaned on versatile skill players, and with these two it gives Kubiak a solid duo to scheme around.
The upside is that Seattle possesses 10 draft picks in the upcoming draft. It is likely that the top two receivers, Tetairoa McMillan and Matthew Golden will be gone, but Luther Burden III and Emeka Embuka, who grew up right down I-5 from Seattle in Stillacom, Washington, are both extremely talented and would be strong additions to the Seahawks receiving corp if GM John Schneider uses their first round pick to add depth at this position.
The offensive line does compound the battle in the revamp of the offense. Tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas are talented, but injury-prone, and their 2024 pass-blocking grades (PFF: 68.2 and 65.7) expose vulnerabilities. Kubiak’s zone-running scheme, reliant on agile linemen, could falter without upgrades, hampering running back Kenneth Walker III. Walker’s explosive style is a bright spot, but his fit in Kubiak’s gap-heavy system is uncertain.
The NFC West’s defenses, San Francisco, Los Angeles Rams, and Arizona will all pose challenges. Facing defensive coordinators like Robert Salah as he returns to the Niners, Chris Shula in LA and Nick Rallis in AZ, Kubiak must outwit exotic blitzes and disguised coverages that could overwhelm the offensive line. This is another need Schneider to put priority on when using their draft picks in Green Bay.
Under head coach Mike Macdonald’s defensive-minded regime, Kubiak faces pressure to deliver a balanced, efficient offense despite the roster upheaval. If last year is any indication of how the Seattle front office wants immediate results after only giving former Washington Huskies OC Ryan Grubb one season, he is definitely under the gun. Navigating fan discontent over Lockett’s release and Metcalf’s trade adds another layer. Kubiak’s ingenuity and creativity will determine whether Seattle’s offense sinks or soars in 2025.