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Seahawks Sign UFL MVP Adrian Martinez to Practice Squad

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The Seattle Seahawks moved to bolster their roster depth on Wednesday, signing quarterback Adrian Martinez and linebacker Jamie Sheriff to the practice squad. The move comes as the team grapples with a series of injuries, most notably a quad issue sidelining quarterback Sam Darnold, who will miss Sunday’s game against the Arizona Cardinals. According to official reports from Seahawks.com, head coach Mike Macdonald confirmed that while Darnold is considered week to week, he will not be placed on injured reserve, leaving the door open for a quicker return to the active roster.

To accommodate the new arrivals, the Seahawks released linebacker Jimmy Ciarlo and receiver Malick Meiga from the practice squad. The addition of Martinez provides an immediate safety net behind Drew Lock and Jalen Milroe, ensuring the team maintains a functional quarterback room during the high-stakes stretch of the mid-season. For the Seahawks, the priority is continuity; Martinez, who spent time with the San Francisco 49ers last season, is expected to transition quickly into the team’s offensive scheme. The organizational ties are clear: Seattle’s current offensive coordinator, Brian Fleury, and his predecessor, Klint Kubiak, both cut their teeth in the Shanahan-style system that Martinez is already familiar with.

A Proven Path from the UFL to the NFL

Martinez’s journey to Seattle has been anything but conventional. After going undrafted out of Kansas State in 2023 and experiencing a brief stint with the Detroit Lions, he pivoted to the United Football League. His performance with the Birmingham Stallions was nothing short of dominant, as he secured both the league MVP and the championship game MVP honors. This success acted as a springboard for his return to the NFL, including time spent with the New York Jets and the 49ers.

His collegiate resume highlights the dual-threat capability that made him an attractive practice squad addition. Across his time at Nebraska and Kansas State, Martinez started 47 games, amassing 9,752 passing yards and 51 touchdowns, while adding another 2,928 yards and 45 touchdowns on the ground. This level of production suggests a player who can mimic the mobility required to prepare a defense for upcoming opponents, a vital role for any practice squad signal-caller.

Seahawks Sign UFL MVP Adrian Martinez to Practice Squad

Releasing players to make room

The decision to bring back Jamie Sheriff also signals a preference for institutional familiarity. An undrafted rookie in 2024, Sheriff spent his most recent training camp in Seattle before a brief tenure on the Los Angeles Rams’ practice squad. His experience is modest but relevant; he has logged three appearances over the past two seasons, including two games with Seattle and one with the Carolina Panthers in 2024.

The release of Ciarlo and Meiga was necessary to make room on the practice squad for new additions following the injury to Sam Darnold. As the Seahawks prepare for Arizona, the focus remains on managing the practice squad roster to provide depth while key players are sidelined.

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