3 immediate moves Michael Macdonald should make for Seahawks to become Super Bowl contenders in 2025

Despite its swings and turns, the Seattle Seahawks' first season under coach Mike Macdonald was ultimately distressing. Although the Seahawks' 10 wins in the 2024 season can be considered a plus, they also made history by being the first team to win 10 games and yet miss out on the postseason since the NFL's expansion of the playoffs to 14 teams.

Seattle also made NFL history by being the first team to go 7-1 away from home and still miss the postseason.

This team is still trying to find its bearings with a young coach and an ensemble still in transition. They should feel the dread of not making the playoffs, but they should also feel they are getting closer to something truly remarkable.

Here are three moves that Macdonald and the Seahawks should make going into the 2025 campaign.

Priority moves for Mike Macdonald and the Seahawks in the offseason

#1 - Bring in an experienced tight end

The Seattle Seahawks might be able to sign one pass-catching tight end in free agency, but they can also try to trade for one.

The team should still keep rookie A.J. Barner, but Seattle shouldn't keep relying on Noah Fant, who has been unable to fulfill his potential so far.

The Seahawks and coach Mike Macdonald may not have many elite options available in free agency, but if they really want a change, they can try to obtain a seasoned tight end through trade, who might be a good fit while Barner develops.

#2 - Invest properly into fixing the offensive line

In general, it has been more challenging to create strong offensive lines in the NFL. That said, the Seahawks' offensive line was among the worst in football in 2024. The team focused on strengthening the defense last season. The Seahawks must do the same for the offense, particularly with their offensive line.

If an experienced guard or center becomes available, the team may trade or sign for one. The 2025 draft also seems to be stacked with linemen, especially guards and tackles, so they can also look to the draft as well.

It is crucial, by all means, that Seattle's front office focus heavily on the offensive line's improvement this offseason.

#3 - Keep Geno Smith around for one more year

What the Seahawks choose to do at quarterback will have a big impact on their chances of contending in 2025.

Geno Smith had a mixed season; he threw for the third-highest number of interceptions in the league but also ended fourth in passing yards and fifth in completion percentage.

In fact, it's hard to assess the 34-year-old quarterback's season in its entirety without taking into account Seattle's offensive line problems in 2024.

Despite all of the reasonable debate about Smith's performance this season, it doesn't seem like the Seahawks have a better, more practical option for the 2025 campaign. The only starters scheduled to enter free agency are Russell Wilson of the Pittsburgh Steelers and Sam Darnold of the Minnesota Vikings.

Furthermore, it is anticipated that the three highly-rated quarterbacks in this year's draft — Alabama's Jalen Milroe, Miami's Cam Ward, and Colorado's Shedeur Sanders — will have already been chosen by the time the Seahawks select at No. 18.

He might have his flaws, but Smith still finished the season ranked close to the top in numerous categories despite the lack of adequate support around him.

It doesn't seem like the Seahawks have good options in the draft or free agency that will offer them a better chance than Smith to make the playoffs in 2025. Therefore, the Seahawks should actually concentrate on strengthening the offensive line this offseason rather than trying to replace Smith.