The former Alabama Crimson Tide quarterback signed his rookie contract with the Seattle Seahawks on Tuesday, the team announced, marking the beginning of a new chapter in a career built on resilience, patience, and playmaking. Milroe, who captivated college football fans with his blend of athleticism and arm talent, now steps into the professional spotlight with one of the league’s most passionate franchises and fanbases.
Selected by Seattle in the 2025 NFL Draft, Milroe’s signing is the culmination of a journey that has seen the dual-threat quarterback develop from a high-upside prospect into a player capable of leading one of the most storied programs in college football to championship contention. His arrival in Seattle represents more than just a player joining a team—it’s a cultural fit for a franchise that has long embraced dynamic quarterbacks who bring both flair and fight to the position.
Milroe’s path to the NFL was anything but smooth. After signing with Alabama in the class of 2021, the Texas native spent his first two years learning behind Bryce Young, a Heisman Trophy winner and eventual No. 1 overall pick. Rather than transferring in an era when mobility has become the norm, Milroe chose to stay and compete. That decision would ultimately shape his legacy.
By 2023, Milroe had earned the starting job, and while the early part of that season featured some growing pains—including a brief benching—he returned to the field with a renewed sense of confidence and leadership. From there, Milroe led Alabama on a remarkable run, highlighted by a stunning comeback against Auburn in the Iron Bowl and a College Football Playoff appearance that once again put Alabama at the center of the national title conversation.
Throughout the 2024 season, Milroe matured both on and off the field. He finished with 3,205 passing yards, 28 touchdowns through the air, and 12 more on the ground. His ability to break plays open with his legs while showcasing an improved deep ball turned heads among NFL scouts, many of whom began to see his potential as a long-term starter at the next level.
Seattle took notice.
With the franchise moving into a new era following the departure of Geno Smith, Milroe represents the Seahawks’ long-term vision at quarterback. His unique skillset mirrors that of some of the league’s most successful young quarterbacks, blending strength, agility, and a willingness to take calculated risks. For Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald, who enters his second year at the helm, Milroe could be the centerpiece of a revitalized offense built to keep pace in the highly competitive NFC West.
From a leadership standpoint, Milroe brings intangibles that can’t be taught. He was widely respected by his teammates at Alabama, often praised for his work ethic, humility, and ability to galvanize the locker room. Those qualities are critical at the NFL level, where the spotlight is brighter, the margin for error slimmer, and the expectation for maturity higher.
Seattle’s decision to invest in Milroe was not solely based on highlight-reel plays or combine metrics. It was also a bet on character, growth potential, and the kind of mental toughness that has long defined successful NFL quarterbacks. At Alabama, Milroe demonstrated time and again that he could handle adversity—whether it was losing his job, facing criticism, or going up against elite defenses in the SEC. He responded with grace, grit, and production.
For Seahawks fans, Milroe’s arrival injects fresh excitement into a franchise searching for its next identity at quarterback following the Russell Wilson era. Wilson, like Milroe, was once viewed as an undersized, dual-threat passer who had to prove doubters wrong. The parallels are hard to ignore, and while comparisons are never fair or predictive, there’s a sense that Milroe has landed in a place that understands how to maximize his talents.
In Seattle, he’ll have the chance to grow in an offense that features playmakers at every level. With a receiving corps that includes DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and emerging young talent, Milroe will be surrounded by weapons capable of stretching the field and creating explosive plays. The Seahawks also boast a strong offensive line and a run game built to take pressure off a young quarterback, allowing him to develop without being forced to carry the team immediately.
From a financial standpoint, Milroe’s rookie contract is standard for a player taken in his draft range, but the real value lies in the opportunity it presents. Rookie deals are structured to be team-friendly, allowing franchises to build around young quarterbacks while they’re on cost-controlled contracts. If Milroe performs, Seattle will be in an enviable position to add talent elsewhere and construct a roster that can contend for years to come.
Off the field, Milroe’s brand is already growing. Known for his engaging personality and thoughtful interviews, he has the potential to become a marketable figure in a city that rallies behind its sports stars. Seattle fans appreciate authenticity and competitiveness—two traits Milroe has displayed in abundance since his college days.
His journey also serves as a testament to the value of patience and perseverance. In an age when many quarterbacks jump ship at the first sign of adversity, Milroe took the harder road. He stayed. He competed. He improved. That mindset is rare and invaluable, especially in the NFL, where careers are defined as much by how players handle setbacks as by how they handle success.
Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer, who took over following Nick Saban’s retirement, has spoken highly of Milroe’s leadership and adaptability. DeBoer credited Milroe for setting the tone during a transitional period for the Crimson Tide and helping bridge the gap between coaching regimes. That type of poise and maturity will serve him well as he transitions to the demands of NFL life.
Milroe’s signing also comes at a time when the quarterback landscape across the league is in flux. Teams are looking for dynamic players who can extend plays, make off-script throws, and keep defenses guessing. The traditional pocket passer archetype is giving way to quarterbacks who can do it all—something Milroe has proven he’s capable of when given the chance.
That said, the NFL is a different animal, and the jump from college to the pros is significant. Milroe will need time to adjust to the speed, complexity, and physicality of the league. Fortunately for him, Seattle’s coaching staff appears committed to fostering his development rather than rushing it. Early reports indicate that he will compete for playing time but won’t be expected to start immediately unless he clearly wins the job in training camp.
That developmental timeline could be beneficial. It would allow Milroe to continue refining his mechanics, learning the playbook, and acclimating to the NFL game while also building trust with his new teammates. Seattle has invested in his future, and the organization knows that maximizing his potential is a marathon, not a sprint.
For Milroe, signing the contract is a dream realized—but it’s just the beginning. The real work starts now.
He joins a growing group of Alabama quarterbacks who have made the leap to the NFL in recent years, including Tua Tagovailoa, Mac Jones, and Bryce Young. Each of those players followed different paths, but all benefited from the preparation they received in Tuscaloosa. Milroe, too, arrives at the next level well-schooled in the demands of elite football and hungry to prove he belongs.
As he embarks on this next chapter, the support from Alabama fans will undoubtedly follow. Crimson Tide faithful have always backed their quarterbacks fiercely, and Milroe’s perseverance and performance have endeared him to many. That fan base will be watching closely as he takes the field in Seahawks colors, hoping to see the same magic that thrilled them on Saturdays translate to Sundays.
Seattle, meanwhile, is banking on more than just potential. The organization believes in Milroe’s ceiling, in his ability to grow into a leader of men, and in the spark he can bring to a franchise looking to reestablish itself as a contender. With the ink now dry on his rookie deal, the countdown begins for Jalen Milroe’s NFL debut—a moment he’s spent his entire life preparing for.
In time, we’ll learn how Milroe’s story unfolds in the pros. But if his college career is any indication, it will be defined by growth, grit, and game-breaking talent.
For now, though, one thing is certain: Jalen Milroe is officially a pro. And the city of Seattle is ready to welcome him with open arms.
