If you haven’t checked the depth charts lately, you might still be picturing Jalen Milroe in that iconic crimson jersey, escaping a collapsing pocket at Bryant-Denny Stadium. It’s a fair mistake. For years, he was the heartbeat of Alabama football. But things move fast in the pros.
Right now, what team is Jalen Milroe on? He is currently a quarterback for the Seattle Seahawks.
Seattle snagged him in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft—92nd overall, to be exact—and since then, his journey has been a fascinating study in "the long game." While he isn't the face of the franchise just yet, the buzz around him in the Pacific Northwest is real. He’s currently navigating that tricky rookie-to-sophomore transition in a quarterback room that has seen its fair share of shakeups.
The Seattle Situation: Behind Darnold and Lock
Being a third-round pick usually means you’re not the "Day 1" starter. That’s been the reality for Milroe. Seattle entered the 2025 season with a bit of a bridge-plan, bringing in Sam Darnold as the primary starter and keeping the veteran Drew Lock in the mix.
Milroe’s role? He’s been the developmental project.
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Honestly, it’s probably the best thing for him. We saw him get a few snaps early in the 2025 season—most notably in Week 5 against the Buccaneers—but for the most part, he has spent his time as the "Emergency QB3." This means he’s suited up, but he only hits the field if things go catastrophically wrong with both Darnold and Lock.
It sounds like a boring gig for a guy who was a Heisman finalist at Bama, right? But here's the thing: Seattle is clearly high on his physical traits. He’s got that rare combination of a cannon for an arm and the kind of "make-you-miss" speed that keeps defensive coordinators awake at night.
Why Seattle Traded for Him
To understand what team Jalen Milroe is on today, you have to look at how he got there. Seattle actually traded away Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders to secure the capital needed to build their 2025 draft class. They wanted someone with a higher ceiling, someone who fits the modern "dual-threat" mold that is taking over the league.
- The Prototype: At 6'2" and 216 lbs, he looks the part.
- The Speed: He’s arguably one of the fastest players in the Seahawks' locker room, not just among quarterbacks.
- The Deep Ball: That "lofted" deep ball we saw in Tuscaloosa? It’s still there.
From Tuscaloosa to the Pacific Northwest
Most fans asking "what team is Jalen Milroe on" are likely remembering his 2024 season at Alabama. It was a rollercoaster. He led the Tide to a 9-4 record and capped off his college career by winning the William V. Campbell Trophy—basically the "Academic Heisman."
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He left Alabama with some staggering numbers:
- 7,593 total career yards.
- 78 total touchdowns (45 passing, 33 rushing).
- The record for the most rushing touchdowns by a quarterback in Alabama history.
But the NFL is a different beast. Critics at the time—and even some now—point to his "raw" nature as a pocket passer. His field vision and ability to work through progressions are the main things the Seahawks coaching staff, specifically offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, have been grinding on during practice.
What's Next for Milroe in 2026?
We are currently in the middle of the 2025-2026 playoff cycle. As of January 15, 2026, the Seahawks are preparing for a Divisional Round matchup against the San Francisco 49ers. While Sam Darnold is dealing with a slight oblique injury, he’s expected to play, meaning Milroe will likely remain in his reserve role.
However, the 2026 offseason is where things get spicy.
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Drew Lock’s contract situation and the long-term viability of Sam Darnold are big "if" factors. There is a very real path where Jalen Milroe competes for the QB2—or even a situational "Taysom Hill-style" role—starting next summer. The Seahawks haven't rushed him, and that patience might pay off if his accuracy catches up to his athleticism.
Basically, if you're looking for him on Sundays, look for the #6 jersey on the Seattle sidelines. He’s the guy soaking up every bit of information he can, waiting for that one opening to show the league that the "Bama magic" translates to the NFL.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you're following Milroe's career or manage a dynasty fantasy football team, here is what you should be watching:
- Watch the 2026 Preseason: This will be Milroe's "make or break" moment. With a full year of NFL coaching under his belt, his performance in August will dictate if he's the future in Seattle or a career backup.
- Monitor the QB Room: Keep an eye on Sam Darnold's health and contract status. Any vacancy in the starting role puts Milroe one step closer to the field.
- Focus on Developmental Reps: Follow Seahawks beat reporters for updates on Milroe's progress in 7-on-7 drills and "routes on air." These small updates are the only way to gauge his growth while he isn't playing regular-season games.
The answer to what team is Jalen Milroe on is officially the Seattle Seahawks, but the real question is how much longer they can keep a talent like his on the bench.