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Seahawks Viewed As A Top Contender For The $120 Million WR As The 49ers Brace For A “Stunning Split” That Could Shake The Entire NFC West

Seattle, Washington – 27/11/2025

The Seattle Seahawks are climbing rapidly in the NFC playoff race, but the biggest storyline of the week isn’t happening on the field — it’s unfolding around the future of one of the NFL’s premier offensive stars. With multiple reports indicating that the San Francisco 49ers are heading toward a “stunning split” with standout wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, Seattle has immediately emerged as one of the strongest contenders to land the $120 million playmaker should he hit the open market.

Agent's Take: Dissecting latest dust-up in the Brandon Aiyuk-49ers saga and  what it means moving forward - CBS Sports

Brandon Aiyuk has long been considered one of the most complete wide receivers in the NFL. With blazing speed, elite separation skills, and high-level route running, Aiyuk is a threat at every level of the field. His breakout 2023 season under Klint Kubiak remains a defining highlight — and now Kubiak is the offensive coordinator for the Seahawks.

Adding to that, Sam Darnold — who worked directly with Aiyuk during one of San Francisco’s most efficient offensive stretches — could instantly recreate that chemistry in Seattle. The acquisition of Rashid Shaheed at the trade deadline further signals Seattle’s commitment to building a modern, explosive, multi-layered passing attack.

General manager John Schneider also sparked conversation across the league with a statement that sounded intentionally open-ended during his latest press conference:

“We’re always looking for pieces that can elevate this team to another level. If there’s a talent out there good enough to line up with Jaxon Smith-Njigba and form one of the most dangerous wide receiver duos in the NFL, we have to be ready. Opportunities like that don’t come often — and Seattle never hesitates when we recognize the true value of a star.”

From a schematic standpoint, Aiyuk is a perfect fit:
— he already thrives in Kubiak’s system,
— he has existing chemistry with Darnold,
— and he would pair seamlessly with JSN to create the most explosive WR group Seattle has had in years.

More importantly, Aiyuk is the type of player who can change the outcome of a game with a single snap.

With the 49ers potentially parting ways with one of their biggest offensive weapons, Seattle — boasting stability, playoff ambition, and a perfectly aligned offensive philosophy — has emerged as the most natural landing spot. And if Brandon Aiyuk truly enters free agency, the Seahawks will be among the teams best positioned to deliver one of the biggest offseason splash moves.

MVP Sam Darnold Surprisingly Proposes to Girlfriend Katie Hoofnagle at Lumen Field in Front of 70,000 Cheering Fans, Viral Video of the Moment Leaves the Entire Seahawks Community Emotional and in Tears
Seattle, Washington – January 2026 The Seattle Seahawks' NFC Championship victory in 2026 was not only a historic milestone but also a sweet moment of love as Sam Darnold, the team’s quarterback, unexpectedly proposed to his girlfriend Katie Hoofnagle right at Lumen Field following their win. After the Seahawks secured their spot in the Super Bowl, Darnold, who had an outstanding performance throughout the season, caused the entire stadium to erupt with a romantic surprise. In front of more than 70,000 fans at Lumen Field, Darnold knelt and proposed to Hoofnagle in a heartfelt moment. “This is the happiest moment of my life. Seahawks gave me the opportunity to shine and get here, and the fans have always supported me, standing by my side through everything. But the most amazing part is Katie, who has been with me since the very beginning, when no one knew who I was. Katie is the reason I never gave up, and today, I want to spend the rest of my life with her,” Darnold shared after the proposal. The crowd at the stadium couldn’t hold back their emotions, and the roar of cheers filled the air. Not only the Seahawks fans but even football fans around the world were deeply moved by the moment. The video capturing the moment Darnold proposed to Hoofnagle after the game quickly went viral, attracting millions of views on social media. Heartwarming: Seahawks QB Sam Darnold celebrated making the Super Bowl on the field with his partner Katie Hoofnagle. Sam: “It doesn’t feel real.” Katie: “Hey, you did that.” Sam to Katie: “We did that.” What a special moment captured 🥹📷 pic.twitter.com/vsh3u9WGUp — Jeremy Fowler (@SmartTrue197118) January 28, 2026 Many fans couldn’t hide their emotions as they witnessed this scene, with many sharing that it was one of the most beautiful moments in sports history. Tears rolled down the faces of both fans and players as love and football came together in an unforgettable moment. For Darnold, the NFC Championship win became a double joy: not only a sports victory but also a turning point in his life. Now, as he prepares for the Super Bowl, Darnold has an even bigger reason to fight – to continue the journey with Katie toward a promising future together.