Seattle Seahawks Linked To $321 Million QB In Proposed Trade That Makes Sense Following Sam Darnold Injury
This article was originally published on Total Pro Sports.
Sam Darnold’s hip injury is giving the Seattle Seahawks a brand-new worry right after their Week 1 comeback win against the New England Patriots. Darnold had to leave the game and limped slowly back to the locker room before heading to the hospital to get checked out.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Sept. 10 that, “Seahawks QB Sam Darnold underwent an MRI on his hip this morning that team doctors still are reviewing to determine how much time he will miss. It is expected to be some, but for now the team believes it, as one source described, ‘dodged a bullet.’”
Seattle now has to decide how it wants to handle the situation. Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe are in options, but the Seahawks could also look outside the building. One name that could make sense is Las Vegas Raiders’ quarterback, Kirk Cousins.
Seahawks Could Explore Kirk Cousins Trade
Cousins brings plenty of NFL experience to the table. He has made four Pro Bowls and has earned more than $321 million during his 14-year career. The Raiders signed him to a one-year, $11.3 million deal after Atlanta released him this offseason.
Las Vegas signed Cousins to serve as a bridge for rookie quarterback Fernando Mendoza. However, the Raiders could change that plan if they want to speed up Mendoza’s development.
Seahawks QB Sam Darnold underwent an MRI on his hip this morning that team doctors still are reviewing to determine how much time he will miss. It is expected to be some, but for now the team believes it, as one source described, “dodged a bullet.” pic.twitter.com/w3SIU8pi7x
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) September 10, 2026
Cousins struggled during his final season with the Falcons. He completed 61.7% of his passes for 1,721 yards, 10 touchdowns and five interceptions across 10 appearances in 2025.
Those numbers could keep his trade value low. The Seahawks might only need to offer a future Day 3 pick to get the Raiders interested.
Seattle would not need Cousins to take over its long-term plans. Darnold remains the franchise quarterback. The team would simply need a veteran who could keep the offense moving while Darnold recovers.
The Seahawks could still choose Lock and Milroe instead. That route would cost them no trade capital. But Cousins could give Seattle another experienced option if Darnold misses multiple games.
Head coach Mike Macdonald ruled out a fracture, which gives the Seahawks some reason for optimism. Still, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reported that Seattle could place Darnold on short-term injured reserve. That move would force Darnold to miss at least four games.
For now, Seattle awaits more clarity.
