It only takes one spark to change a culture. In a sport where routines are sacred and habits run deep, the arrival of a relentless worker can flip the energy in a locker room overnight. That’s what’s happening in Seattle. The offseason has barely begun, but there’s already a new rhythm at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center. And the beat? It’s being set by a Super Bowl MVP who knows a thing or two about hard work—and even more about winning.

Cooper Kupp hasn’t just joined the Seahawks—he’s raising the standard. The $45 million gamble appears to be paying off for Seattle—at least by early offseason trends. The Rams sent shockwaves through the league when they announced their intent to trade wide receiver Cooper Kupp. After nearly six weeks of negotiations, Kupp landed with their NFC West rivals, signing a three-year, $54 million deal with the Seahawks. And the fans? They’re already on board. During the Seattle Kraken vs. LA Kings game, Kupp was spotted in town and greeted with roaring cheers. Seahawks faithful are hoping he brings back the same fire that made him a Super Bowl legend.

In Super Bowl LVI, Kupp caught the game-winning touchdown against the Bengals, capping off a season where he claimed the coveted “Triple Crown”—leading the league in receptions (145), receiving yards (1,945), and receiving touchdowns (16). He also set a playoff record with 33 receptions across four postseason games. If he returns to anything close to that form, head coach Mike Macdonald will be grinning from ear to ear—and planning around it. And it’s not just about what he does on the field.

Hawk Blogger Brian Nemhauser revealed the interesting things happening in the Seahawks. While talking about the changes on the April 19 episode, he said, “Cooper Kupp is already showing up to the VMAC every single day. And he’s he’s working out. He is grinding like he is legendary in his work ethic. That’s already happening. There are other players in the Seahawks locker room that are following that lead that had not necessarily been following that same schedule before Cooper Kupp arrived. And I think one of those guys is Jake Bobo.”

With Kupp turning the VMAC into a hive of offseason energy, even younger receivers like Jake Bobo are stepping up. In two seasons, Bobo has appeared in 34 games (3 starts), recording 32 catches for 303 yards and three touchdowns. Now, surrounded by elite work ethic and expectations, he might be poised for a leap.

But while the wide receiver room is heating up, the quarterback room may be clearing out.

Cooper Kupp’s franchise to trade backup quarterback

As head coach Mike Macdonald reshapes the roster, the Seahawks are reportedly looking to trade quarterback Sam Howell. General manager John Schneider spoke candidly about Howell’s outlook on Seattle Sports 710-AM: “I think all of us, Sam included, would say, OK, last year is just a wash, man. Let’s put that aside. Let’s get back in a pro-style system, a proven system—because he can move.”

The QB room is crowded. After trading Geno Smith to the Raiders, Seattle added Sam Darnold on a three-year, $100.5 million deal and re-signed six-year vet Drew Lock to a two-year, $5 million contract. Jaren Hall, entering his third NFL season, is also in the mix. Now, with four QBs on the roster, Macdonald appears ready to deal Howell to make room. In three NFL seasons, Howell has appeared in 20 games (18 starts), holding a 5–13 record. His trade value is uncertain, but Seattle may prefer to act before the draft.

The quarterback question may dominate headlines, but the culture shift might be the bigger story. Kupp’s arrival isn’t just about touchdowns—it’s about tone-setting. The buzz inside the VMAC reflects a team recalibrating its identity around high standards and serious aspirations. With Kupp leading by example and Macdonald making bold roster decisions, the Seahawks are positioning themselves for a new chapter.

The draft is five days away. The roster isn’t final. But the new-look Seahawks are already showing signs of transformation. One thing is clear: This offseason isn’t about rebuilding, it’s about raising the bar.