It's nice to finally be the ones laughing.
The Arizona Cardinals have been at or near the bottom of the NFC West for most of the last decade. Now, thanks to a masterful offseason executed by general manager Monti Ossenfort, Arizona looks to be on the rise.
The Seattle Seahawks, on the other hand, could be starting a sharp decline. According to one analyst, the Seahawks are the NFC West's biggest losers this offseason.
Arizona Cardinals can't help but laugh as Seattle Seahawks named offseason losers
In a recent article, Bleacher Report writer Moe Moton listed the biggest offseason loser in every NFL division. In the NFC West, he chose the Seattle Seahawks.
Seattle has had a confusing offseason, to put it kindly. First, they traded away their budget-friendly franchise quarterback for a mid-round pick. Then, they doubled down by trading star receiver D.K. Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a second-round pick.
Geno Smith and D.K. Metcalf were arguably the two best players on the Seahawks offense. Letting both players go signified the beginning of a long-term rebuild in Seattle.
Their next moves seemed like panicked attempts to hold onto some sort of competitiveness. Seattle signed quarterback Sam Darnold, a one-year wonder and former draft bust, to replace Smith. Darnold's only successful NFL season came in 2024, when he had a perfect setup alongside Minnesota Vikings' coach Kevin O'Connell and receiver Justin Jefferson.
The Seahawks then tried to rebuild their receiver room by adding Cooper Kupp from the Rams. Kupp is a talented receiver, but he plays the same role as Jaxon Smith-Njigba.
In the NFL Draft, the Seahawks strung together a series of underwhelming selections in an effort to fill out their new-look squad. Most of their picks are fine players, but they come with major question marks.
First-round pick Grey Zabel is a former North Dakota State offensive tackle who will likely bump inside to guard or center with Seattle. He's switching positions and will see a huge jump in competition from the FCS level to the NFL. Second-round safety Nick Emmanwori is an impressive athlete, but he lacks the instincts and technical ability you want from a starter.
The Seahawks have failed at every step this offseason. The Arizona Cardinals, meanwhile, have transformed a middling roster into one that looks ready to make a playoff push. Look out, NFC West. The Cardinals are coming for the crown.