Top 2025 Training Camp Storylines: Who Steps Up In A New-Look WR Corps Behind Jaxon Smith-Njigba & Cooper Kupp?

The Seattle Seahawks are analyzing their receiver position as part of a training camp preview series, highlighting significant offseason changes. Key additions include free agents Cooper Kupp and Marquez Valdes-Scantling, fifth-round draft pick Tory Horton, seventh-round pick Ricky White III, and free agent Steven Sims. Departures feature franchise icon Tyler Lockett (released due to salary cap) and DK Metcalf (traded to Pittsburgh after requesting a trade).

General manager John Schneider revealed the team initially aimed to extend Metcalf's contract ("Plan A"), but his trade demand forced a reshuffle. Jaxon Smith-Njigba returns as the established Pro Bowl WR1, while Cooper Kupp, signed shortly after Metcalf's trade, is projected as the other starter. Despite injury concerns since his dominant 2021 season, Kupp enters camp healthy and has impressed coaches and teammates with his work ethic and leadership, often working early/late with quarterbacks.

Beyond the top two, the third receiver role is competitive. Marquez Valdes-Scantling, familiar with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak's system from New Orleans, is a frontrunner but faces challenges from Jake Bobo and rookie Tory Horton. Horton, a deep-threat specialist from Colorado State, possesses the speed Seattle seeks but is recovering from a knee injury that limited his offseason work. Kubiak praised Valdes-Scantling's intelligence and adaptability, while Schneider highlighted Horton's underrated talent, punt-return ability, large catch radius, and competitiveness.