Jalen Milroe's Future in Seattle Uncertain as Sam Darnold Dominates Quarterback Role
Jalen Milroe’s future with the Seattle Seahawks has become increasingly uncertain, largely due to the exceptional performance of Sam Darnold. While Milroe was initially seen as the team’s quarterback of the future, selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, Darnold’s surprising play has reshaped the quarterback landscape in Seattle.
Darnold, despite being viewed as a journeyman quarterback, is currently delivering one of the most impressive seasons in Seahawks history. At 28, he is under contract through 2027, and his performance has elevated the team’s offense.
His remarkable play has also contributed to the development of young receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba into a star, further solidifying Darnold’s importance in the Seahawks' offensive scheme. However, Milroe, who remains third on the depth chart behind Darnold and Drew Lock, has yet to throw his first NFL pass.
“It’s been frustrating at times, but I know my time will come,” Milroe said. “I’m working every day to improve, and I’m ready when they call on me. I’ve got the tools, but I just need to keep developing.”
Milroe’s limited preseason appearances were marked by inaccuracy and turnover issues, including a fumble in a limited appearance against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. “It’s a learning process,” Milroe admitted. “I know I’ve got work to do. But I’m here to push myself and this team, whether I’m on the field or not.”
Head coach Mike Macdonald has acknowledged Milroe’s development challenges but has emphasized the importance of patience and focused growth. “We’ve seen flashes of his potential,” Macdonald said. “It’s about finding the right moments for him to grow, and we’re committed to helping him develop into the quarterback we know he can be.”
For now, Milroe’s opportunities on the field are limited, with the Seahawks focusing on maximizing the performance of their starting quarterback, Darnold. While Milroe remains a developmental prospect, his future with the team will depend on his continued growth and the team’s evolving quarterback needs.
“I trust the process,” Milroe concluded. “I’ll keep grinding, and when my chance comes, I’ll be ready.”
Norman Powell’s rise is exposing the Heat’s blind loyalty to Tyler Herro
The Miami Heat should seriously be second-guessing their loyalty to Tyler Herro. If nothing else, Norman Powell could give the Heat another option if they can't find a middle ground on extension talks with Herro next summer.
That's not necessarily an indictment of Herro, but it mostly speaks to just how good Powell has looked in a Heat uniform.
Since his preseason debut, there's not much that Powell has done wrong. Through the first two regular-season games, Powell is averaging 22 points, eight rebounds, and three assists per game on 48 percent shooting from the field and 50 percent shooting from 3-point range.
Norman Powell is making Heat fans forget about Tyler Herro
He's been productive enough for the Heat so far this year that they haven't missed Herro all that much. Of course, that doesn't mean the Heat doesn't need Herro anymore or that he can't certainly help this team right now, but you can't help but wonder if the team's perspective on him is beginning to shift.
Because if Powell is able to be just as productive as Herro for a percentage of his cost, it's only natural for the Heat to completely rethink their upcoming decision on his future. And, in turn, perhaps it could open up so many more possibilities for Miami.
Either way, by the end of the season, something has to give for the Heat. They're going to be forced to make a decision one way or another. Herro has just two years left on his contract, and Powell is in the final year of his current deal.
I don't think it's as cut and dry as the Heat having to choose between them, but it would make a lot of sense if that was part of the future vision. And if their numbers are that similar, the decision is pretty simple. Sure, Herro is younger and offers slightly more playmaking upside, but I'm not sure if that's worth another $20 million per year, which Herro would likely be asking for.
That's especially true if the goal for the Heat is to acquire a superstar player within the next couple of seasons.
If Powell continues to hold his own and fill the "Herro role"
Powell and Herro are both really good players, but there's no question that the Heat could be getting some much-needed clarification on the latter with how well the former has played so far this season.
