Seahawks Add Quarterback Adrian Martinez as QB Uncertainty Grows

WHO:

Seahawks.com - The Seahawks signed quarterback Adrian Martinez and linebacker Jamie Sheriff to their practice squad.

Seahawks.com - Martinez went undrafted from Kansas State in 2023. He began his professional career with the Detroit Lions, was waived before the regular season, and then joined the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL).

Seahawks.com - Martinez later spent time with the New York Jets and San Francisco 49ers, and appeared in one game with San Francisco.

Field Gulls - Martinez played college football at Nebraska and Kansas State and was most recently with the 49ers.

Seahawks.com - Sheriff initially joined Seattle as an undrafted rookie in 2024. He spent training camp and preseason with the Seahawks before signing with the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad.

Seahawks.com - Sheriff appeared in three games over two seasons: two with Seattle and one with Carolina.

WHAT:

Seahawks.com - Adrian Martinez adds quarterback depth behind Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe.

Heavy NFL - Right tackle Abe Lucas voiced confidence in Drew Lock as the expected starter.

Seahawks.com - Seattle released linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo and receiver Malick Meiga to make room on its practice squad.

Seahawks.com - Coach Mike Macdonald said Sam Darnold would not go on injured reserve and described him as “week to week.”

Field Gulls - Drew Lock was slated to start against Arizona, but a right elbow injury had caused him to miss the previous two games.

Field Gulls - As Birmingham’s starting quarterback, Martinez recorded a 6-1 record, 15 touchdown passes, three interceptions, and more than 500 rushing yards with three rushing touchdowns.

Field Gulls - Martinez was named MVP of the 2024 UFL Championship after throwing a touchdown to Gary Jennings Jr. and scoring twice on the ground in Birmingham’s 25-0 win over the San Antonio Brahmas.

Seahawks.com - Martinez started 47 college games, completed 63.6% of his passes for 9,752 yards, 51 touchdowns, and 31 interceptions, and rushed for 2,928 yards and 45 touchdowns.

WHERE:

Seahawks.com - The Seahawks are based in Seattle; Martinez played for the Birmingham Stallions and appeared for the 49ers.

Field Gulls - The Seahawks’ upcoming opponent was the Arizona Cardinals.

WHY:

Seahawks.com - Seattle added Martinez for quarterback depth while Darnold was sidelined.

Field Gulls - Darnold was ruled out against Arizona with a quad injury and a cracked rib; the article says the injuries followed the loss to the Chicago Bears.

Field Gulls - Martinez joined the practice squad as insurance amid injuries affecting Seattle’s quarterback room.

HOW:

Heavy NFL - Seattle signed Martinez to its practice squad Nov. 4.

Seahawks.com - Martinez’s experience with the 49ers was expected to help him learn Seattle’s offense because former Seattle coordinator Klint Kubiak and current coordinator Brian Fleury had both worked in San Francisco under Kyle Shanahan.

Field Gulls - Field Gulls said Martinez might be elevated from the practice squad for game day if Lock remained limited by his elbow injury.

Seattle signed quarterback Adrian Martinez to its practice squad as Sam Darnold remains sidelined. Martinez adds depth behind Drew Lock, who is expected to start against Arizona. Seattle also signed linebacker Jamie Sheriff, releasing two players to make room.