A day of celebration for the team as they introduced Darnold turned into a day of explanation about the events that led to his arrival.

When the Seahawks abruptly traded quarterback Geno Smith, only 10 days after G.M. John Schneider said there was no doubt Smith was the guy for 2025, it became apparent that the deal happened after talks on extending Smith's contract faltered.

Geno Smith's six-year run with the Seattle Seahawks ended last week after the veteran quarterback was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. On Thursday, Smith thanked the organization and its fans for his time in Seattle.