The Seattle Seahawks officially announced on May 20 that rookie quarterback Jalen Milroe has signed his first NFL contract, marking a key moment in the team’s offseason roster rebuild. The move solidifies Seattle’s investment in the former Alabama star, who was selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. As the franchise undergoes major changes at the quarterback position, Milroe is expected to play a prominent role sooner rather than later.
Following the trade that sent veteran quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle sought to refresh its quarterback depth chart. The Seahawks brought in former first-round pick Sam Darnold through free agency, signaling their intent to bring experience into the fold. But their biggest quarterback headline came when they used a third-round draft pick to select Milroe, a dual-threat QB with elite athleticism and leadership traits.
Shortly after drafting Milroe, the team also parted ways with Sam Howell, further indicating that Milroe was not merely a developmental option, but someone expected to contribute quickly. Now, with his rookie contract signed, Milroe is officially part of the Seahawks’ future.
According to Spotrac, Milroe’s contract is a four-year deal worth \$6.2 million, which extends through the 2028 season. His base salary for 2025 will be \$840,000. Rookie contracts for mid-round picks are largely predetermined by league rules, though the signing process still requires agreement on contract language and terms.
Milroe expressed his excitement during a May 20 interview with Seahawks.com, reflecting on the significance of joining the NFL and beginning his career with an organization that chose him out of a competitive draft class.
“It’s definitely a great feeling,” Milroe said. “To be able to have an organization that’s behind you—they selected me out of all the individuals that were placed in the draft, I was one of their selections in this year’s draft. So I’m tremendously happy that I have the support of the organization, but now it’s all about putting our best foot forward moving forward for the organization and for the guys in the locker room.”
While Sam Darnold is expected to begin the season as the team’s starting quarterback, Seahawks coaches have already revealed plans to include Milroe in special offensive packages. His athleticism and versatility make him a weapon who can contribute immediately, even if he isn’t the full-time starter right away. These special packages will allow Seattle to exploit mismatches and introduce Milroe to NFL speed while he continues to develop his full skill set.
As Milroe transitions to professional football, he emphasized that building relationships with teammates will be a major focus this offseason. He believes that understanding the locker room dynamic and getting to know players on both sides of the ball is crucial.
“For me, it’s all about relationships—building relationships with everyone in the locker room, offense and defense,” Milroe said. “What’s big when it comes to that offseason period before you get into the season is the relationship phase. Secondly, mastering us on offense—who’s our guys offensively, in the receiving corps, tight ends, fullback, running back, quarterback room—just understanding everyone as a whole.”
Seahawks general manager John Schneider spoke highly of Milroe following the draft, citing both his physical tools and personal character as reasons the team was drawn to him.
“He’s an incredible athlete,” Schneider said during an April 26 press conference. “Very, very fast—literally 21.2 miles per hour on GPS speed. But also a hard worker and Academic Heisman Award winner. He’s had four different offensive coordinators, and he’s worked his tail off. His mom served in the Navy, his dad was a Marine. He had a great visit with us, and he kept showing up on our draft board.”
Milroe now joins a strong group of Seahawks rookies, including eight others who signed contracts in recent weeks. Only second-round selections Nick Emmanwori and Elijah Arroyo remain unsigned.
With training camp just weeks away, all eyes will be on how quickly Milroe can make his mark in Seattle—and how soon he can challenge for a bigger role in the Seahawks’ offense.
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