The Seattle Seahawks had a clear goal going into the 2025 summer after a tumultuous 2024 season that finished without a postseason appearance. In the very competitive NFC, they must bolster their roster and make a significant impact. Even though Seattle made some notable signings during free agency, the offensive line remains a huge concern. They still have to make the most of their potential and secure their future. The Seahawks must therefore take decisive action and trade up in the draft to choose Will Campbell, an offensive tackle from LSU.
The way the offseason has started gives Seahawks supporters every cause to be concerned. The team did indeed make a quarterback trade, selecting Sam Darnold over Geno Smith. Whether or whether this move is a true upgrade is still up for debate. In terms of statistics, Darnold defeated Smith in the previous season’s QB+ rankings. Smith finished 15th, while he finished 12th. Darnold, meanwhile, is also more volatile. That might be a cause for alarm. However, if the Seahawks surround him with the correct supporting cast, he provides a bigger upside.
The challenge for Seattle is that they parted ways with both Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf. The Seahawks replaced them with veteran Cooper Kupp alongside Jaxon Smith-Njigba. Yes, Smith-Njigba is undeniably talented. That said, expecting him to step into a true No. 1 role is a significant leap. Meanwhile, Kupp’s injury history and overlap in skill set with Smith-Njigba raise questions about the effectiveness of this pairing.
Defensively, the Seahawks made efforts to retain core contributors. They brought back Ernest Jones IV and Jarran Reed. However, their decision to sign Demarcus Lawrence to a three-year, $14 million per season contract has drawn some scrutiny. At 33 years old, Lawrence is more suited for a rotational pass-rusher role rather than being the dominant force he once was. And yet, Seattle is paying him as if he’s still in his prime. This move underscores the need for a game-changing acquisition to solidify their roster.
Here we’ll try to look at the perfect trade that the Seattle Seahawks must complete after the 2025 NFL free agency frenzy.
The Ideal Trade
The Seahawks can stand pat and hope their makeshift offensive line holds together. Altenatively, they can take an assertive approach to address the issue head-on. The smartest move? Trading up in the 2025 NFL Draft to secure LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell.
Seattle’s need for significant upgrades along the offensive line is no secret. To kickstart that process, the Seahawks must make a bold move. In this scenario, they leapfrog the Chicago Bears to land Campbell at the No. 10 pick. His arival would immediately bolster the guard position while also possessing the long-term potential to slide into a tackle role.
The Seahawks will have to trade into the top 10 in order to obtain Campbell. They won’t be able to grab him with their current draft slot, which is anticipated to be in the mid-to-late first round. They might package their first-round pick with a second-round pick and perhaps a future selection as part of a transaction. Indeed, the cost is rather high. But it’s a worthwhile investment. The franchise’s first goal should be to make sure Darnold is adequately protected. With his skill, Campbell can transform Seattle’s offensive line from a noticeable weakness into a powerful asset.
Why This Trade Makes Sense for Seattle
Seattle’s offensive struggles in recent seasons have stemmed largely from inconsistent line play. Sure, the team has invested draft capital in the position, but it has yet to develop a cohesive and dominant unit. Again, the Seahawks must provide their quarterback with a clean pocket. Darnold has shown flashes of solid play when given time. However, he struggles significantly under duress. Geno Smith faced similar issues in 2024.
Beyond Darnold, this move is a long-term investment. Even if the Seahawks decide to move on from him after 2025, the foundation of a strong offense begins with a reliable line. The NFL’s top offenses have consistently prioritized elite offensive line play. Seattle must follow that blueprint.
Furthermore, the Seahawks’ current draft approach would be consistent with trading up for Campbell. John Schneider, the general manager, has shown a readiness to pursue impact players aggressively. A continuation of that strategy would be moving up for Campbell. He would make sure the squad doesn’t waste any more season waiting for maybe nonexistent internal development.
Final Thoughts
The Seahawks have the pieces to compete in 2025, but without a reliable offensive line, their ceiling remains limited. While free agency provided some reinforcements, the team’s failure to solidify the trenches remains a glaring weakness. Trading up for Will Campbell would not only address their biggest need but also send a message that Seattle is serious about contending. The cost will be high, but the potential reward—transforming the offensive line into a true strength—far outweighs the price. If the Seahawks want to maximize Darnold’s potential and build a foundation for future success, making this trade is not just an option—it’s a necessity.
