Could the Seahawks Pull Off the Unthinkable Ahead of the NFL Trade Deadline?
SEATTLE — As the NFL trade deadline approaches, few teams find themselves in a more intriguing position than the Seattle Seahawks. After an offseason filled with questions, a coaching change, and an aggressive retooling of the offense, Seattle enters Week 10 with a 6–2 record — and with whispers emerging that general manager John Schneider could be preparing something major.
Could the Seahawks be on the verge of pulling off the unthinkable?
That’s the question circulating around league circles following a cryptic but intriguing post from NFL insider Jordan Schultz, who teased that Seattle might be one of the teams capable of making a “holy crap” move before the deadline.
“We’ll see if any deals get done, but the two teams I’m watching today for a potential ‘holy crap’ trade are the #Seahawks and #Broncos,” Schultz posted on X (formerly Twitter) Tuesday morning.
The post sent Seahawks fans — and rival front offices — into speculation mode. Seattle has exceeded expectations under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald, and with a revitalized offense led by Sam Darnold, the team suddenly looks like one piece away from being a legitimate Super Bowl contender.
But who could that piece be?
From Uncertainty to Contention: Seattle’s Midseason Surge
To understand why Seattle might be preparing to make a bold move, you have to rewind to the start of the 2025 season — or even further, to the offseason that preceded it.
When Pete Carroll stepped down in January after 14 seasons, many wondered whether the Seahawks’ competitive window had quietly closed. The franchise had missed the playoffs in 2024 and entered a transitional phase that included promoting defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald to head coach and replacing veteran quarterback Geno Smith with Sam Darnold.
It was a decision that raised eyebrows. Darnold, once the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, had bounced around the league and struggled with inconsistency. Yet Seattle saw something — a chance to resurrect his career behind a stronger scheme and renewed offensive philosophy.
Through eight games, that gamble appears to be paying off.
Darnold has thrown for 2,104 yards, 14 touchdowns, and only six interceptions while posting a career-best completion percentage. The Seahawks’ offense, previously reliant on improvisation and big plays, now operates with rhythm and balance, featuring a steady ground attack led by Kenneth Walker III and a more structured passing tree that emphasizes high-percentage throws.
Macdonald’s defensive background has also translated well. The Seahawks rank seventh in total defense, first in takeaways, and have regained their physical identity.
All of that has positioned them as one of the NFC’s most balanced teams — and perhaps one bold move away from elite.
The Trade Deadline Context: Buyers, Sellers, and Big Names in Play
At 6–2, the Seahawks sit atop the NFC West, narrowly ahead of the 49ers. Across the conference, contenders such as the Eagles, Lions, and Cowboys have also been aggressive in trade talks, making the NFC arms race even more competitive.
So far, this deadline has been quieter than usual, but history tells us that fireworks can happen late. In recent years, we’ve seen star defenders like Von Miller, Christian McCaffrey, and Khalil Mack moved in deals that altered the playoff landscape.
Could Seattle follow that blueprint?
The Seahawks have several needs, but one stands out — edge rusher. While Macdonald’s defense has been opportunistic, its pressure rate has fluctuated, and the lack of a consistent pass-rushing presence opposite Uchenna Nwosu has been noticeable.
That’s where the “holy crap” scenario comes in.
Speculating the “Holy Crap” Move: Edge Rushers, Stars, and Long Shots
When Schultz mentioned the Seahawks and the Broncos as teams to watch, fans immediately began to connect the dots.
Would Seattle look toward Denver for help, or are these two separate trade candidates altogether?
Let’s break down the possibilities.
1. Myles Garrett (Cleveland Browns)
This would qualify as the definition of a “holy crap” trade. Garrett remains one of the league’s premier edge rushers, and while the Browns are technically still in contention, there have been rumblings of internal frustration after another injury-plagued season. If Cleveland were to pivot toward a mini-reset, Garrett could fetch a massive return — something Schneider has never been afraid to orchestrate.
The price tag, however, would be steep. Seattle would likely have to offer multiple first-round picks and a player. Still, it would instantly transform their defense.
2. Maxx Crosby (Las Vegas Raiders)
Crosby’s name has been floated repeatedly in trade rumors over the past two seasons. The Raiders, under yet another interim regime, appear directionless, and Crosby has quietly grown frustrated with the team’s lack of consistency.
Crosby would fit perfectly in Seattle’s system. He’s durable, relentless, and embodies the high-motor mentality that defined the Legion of Boom era. The challenge would again be cost — and whether the Raiders would be willing to part with their defensive cornerstone.
3. Trey Hendrickson (Cincinnati Bengals)
Hendrickson represents a more realistic but still headline-worthy option. The Bengals are on the playoff fringe, and the 30-year-old edge rusher is nearing the end of his contract. If Cincinnati decides to look ahead, Hendrickson’s availability could draw suitors like Seattle.
Hendrickson has 6.5 sacks through eight games this season and brings playoff experience and leadership — traits that would strengthen Macdonald’s defense down the stretch.
4. Danielle Hunter (Minnesota Vikings)
Hunter has long been a Schneider favorite, and his name surfaces nearly every trade season. The Vikings are in the midst of retooling and could be open to acquiring draft capital. Hunter, with his 10-year veteran experience and consistent sack production, would give Seattle exactly what it needs on the edge — without requiring the same draft haul as Garrett or Crosby.
Seattle’s Trade Philosophy: Aggressive but Calculated
If there’s one thing John Schneider and the Seahawks front office have shown over the years, it’s a willingness to take calculated risks.
In 2020, Seattle traded for Jamal Adams, a deal that didn’t pan out long-term but demonstrated the organization’s bold approach. Last season, they struck a midyear deal for defensive tackle Leonard Williams, reinforcing the defensive front.
Schneider’s philosophy has always been about timing — knowing when to push in the chips. And this season, with the Seahawks exceeding expectations under a new regime, the timing might be perfect.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, league executives view Seattle as a “dark horse buyer” capable of making a surprise splash if the right opportunity arises.
“They’ve got flexibility with draft capital, cap space, and momentum,” Fowler said on NFL Live. “They’re in that zone where one more impact player could change the outlook of the NFC playoff picture.”
Internal Reinforcements: Thornhill, Nwosu, and Rookie Impact
Even without a blockbuster move, the Seahawks believe they have internal reinforcements who can step up in the second half of the season.
Defensively, Uchenna Nwosu has returned from injury looking sharp, and Boye Mafe continues to develop into a reliable pass-rush complement. Rookie defensive tackle Byron Murphy II, meanwhile, has been a revelation in the interior, providing power and disruption against the run.
Safety Julian Love and cornerback Devon Witherspoon have anchored a secondary that looks eerily reminiscent of the Legion of Boom’s swagger — and both players have emerged as vocal leaders on defense.
Still, Macdonald and defensive coordinator Karl Scott understand that the pass rush is what ultimately determines playoff success. That’s why the possibility of adding one more elite piece remains on the table.
Offensive Outlook: Sam Darnold’s Revival and the Pete Carroll Shadow
On offense, the story of Seattle’s season has been Sam Darnold’s redemption arc. The former Jets and Panthers quarterback arrived in Seattle with little fanfare, expected by some to compete for the starting job rather than own it. Instead, he’s thrived under offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb’s system — a modernized, motion-heavy scheme that simplifies reads and maximizes quick decisions.
Grubb, who joined from the University of Washington, has emphasized rhythm passing and play-action, allowing Darnold to find a comfort zone behind an improved offensive line. With weapons like DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Darnold’s chemistry with his receivers has grown weekly.
“He’s playing with confidence and composure,” Metcalf said after Seattle’s Week 8 win. “You can tell he’s enjoying the game again.”
That joy has been contagious. The Seahawks, once defined by Pete Carroll’s defense-first identity, have evolved into a balanced team capable of winning shootouts or grinding out defensive battles.
The Bottom Line: A Window of Opportunity
So, could the Seahawks truly pull off the unthinkable?
The odds are uncertain — blockbuster trades at the deadline are notoriously difficult to execute. But the circumstances line up: a contender with momentum, flexibility, and ambition led by a front office unafraid of bold moves.
If Schneider and Macdonald see an opportunity to push Seattle into the NFC’s elite tier, they may very well take it. The franchise has spent years rebuilding after the Russell Wilson era, and now, with stability at quarterback, a young defense, and a 6–2 start, that effort is bearing fruit.
For a city that has seen its share of football magic, one more headline-grabbing moment might not just shock the NFL — it could redefine the Seahawks’ 2025 season.
“We’ve got a great group, man,” Darnold said after Sunday’s win over Washington. “Whatever happens today, trade deadline or not, we’re focused on one thing — winning games and chasing something special.”
Whether or not a “holy crap” trade happens, the Seahawks have already pulled off something remarkable: belief has returned to Seattle.
