Mike Macdonald gives an answer on who will start at quarterback

The Seattle Seahawks' organized team activities (OTA's) are underway at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. Monday's practice was the first one the media in Seattle was allowed to visit, unfortunately for Sam Darnold, they were given access on the wrong day. Darnold reportedly had an "up and down" day. While he had some nice touchdown passes, he had more than a few turnovers... especially in the red zone.

Naturally, hearing the words "interception" and "red zone" used in the same sentence of a Seahawks quarterback's performance is enough to concern any 12 reading these reports. Especially considering Geno Smith led the league in red zone interceptions last year. With Darnold's struggles on Monday, and knowing there is a hungry Jalen Milroe waiting in the wings, it's not unusual there are those who may be getting the idea Darnold might not be the starter...

...an idea head coach Mike Macdonald immediately squashed. During an appearance on Brock and Salk, Macdonald quickly and emphatically voiced his support of Darnold as Seattle's starting quarterback.

Mike Macdonald on @SeattleSports when asked if there's any scenario, outside of injury, in which Sam Darnold isn't the Seahawks' starting QB: "This is a crazy question. Sam's our starting quarterback."— John Boyle (@johnpboyle) June 3, 2025

Macdonald is a remarkably consistent man when it comes to speaking with the media. His comments on Brock and Salk are affirming what he said after the draft: Darnold will receive "over 90%" of the snaps as the starter, with Milroe seeing action occasionally.

The Seahawks have a clear succession plan in place at quarterback for arguably the first time under John Schneider, however part of that plan does include Darnold playing. Seattle may have given him a team-friendly contract, but that does not mean they didn't invest good money in him to perform like he did in Minnesota.

Darnold is the starter in Seattle, and the team expects him to help take them where they want to go. That being said, it is the NFL, and the pressure to succeed is always high. If Darnold becomes a disaster in 2025, I can't imagine his leash will be infinitely long.

This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Seahawks HC Mike Macdonald discusses who the starting QB will be