Adrian Martinez Finds New NFL Home on Seattle Seahawks Practice Squad Following Workout Circuit

The Seattle Seahawks have added quarterback Adrian Martinez to their practice squad, offering the 26-year-old dual-threat signal-caller another opportunity to establish a foothold in the National Football League. According to reports from NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo, Martinez’s signing comes on the heels of a competitive workout circuit this week that also included evaluations by the Baltimore Ravens.

While Baltimore ultimately passed on Martinez—opting instead to sign former Green Bay Packers quarterback Kedon Slovis and trade for veteran journeyman Jacoby Brissett from the Arizona Cardinals to address their own mounting roster needs—the Seahawks recognized the value in adding depth to their quarterback room. This acquisition arrives at a critical juncture for Seattle, which is currently managing injury concerns under center as the team navigates the grueling mid-point of the regular season.

The Immediate Catalyst: Injury Concerns in Seattle

The decision to bring Martinez to the Pacific Northwest was accelerated by health setbacks affecting starting quarterback Sam Darnold. During a high-stakes "Monday Night Football" matchup against the Chicago Bears, Darnold sustained simultaneous quad and rib injuries. The physical toll of the contest has sidelined Darnold for at least the team’s upcoming Week 9 assignment, creating an immediate need for supplementary insurance on the practice squad.

By adding Martinez, the Seahawks gain a dynamic athletic profile to run scout-team duties and provide emergency depth should further attrition impact the position group. While Darnold is expected to return once fully healed, NFL front offices consistently emphasize the necessity of maintaining robust quarterback infrastructure to withstand the physical volatility of a 17-game season.

A Tortuous Professional Journey: From Undrafted to Spring League MVP

Martinez’s path to the Seahawks organization reflects the relentless persistence required of modern professional football hopefuls who slip through the cracks of the traditional draft process. A standout collegiate performer at both Nebraska and Kansas State, Martinez entered the NFL in 2023 as an undrafted free agent, initially signing with the Detroit Lions. Despite showing flashes during training camp, he was waived by Detroit at the conclusion of the preseason, marking the first of several professional readjustments.

Refusing to let his playing career stall, Martinez took his talents to the United Spring League (UFL) in December 2023, signing with the Birmingham Stallions. That decision catalyzed a remarkable career renaissance. During the 2024 UFL campaign, Martinez established himself as the premier offensive force in spring football. He dazzled fans and scouts alike by throwing for 1,750 yards and 15 touchdowns while punishing opposing defenses on the ground with an additional 530 rushing yards and three scores.

His stellar play earned him the UFL Most Valuable Player award, All-UFL team honors, and culminated in a dominant championship victory over the San Antonio Brahmas, a game in which Martinez was named the title game MVP. That breakout spring production put him firmly back on the radar of NFL personnel departments, leading to opportunities with major league franchises.

Brief

Stints and Limited Regular-Season Action

Prior to his arrival in Seattle, Martinez spent time within the NFC West as a member of the San Francisco 49ers during the previous season. His time with San Francisco yielded valuable exposure to a sophisticated offensive system, though opportunities for meaningful game snaps were scarce behind established starters.

To date, Martinez’s official NFL regular-season game experience remains extremely limited. His sole regular-season appearance occurred during a Week 9 contest between the 49ers and the New York Giants. In that game, a 34-24 victory for San Francisco, Martinez entered the contest strictly to execute a late-game kneel-down, securing the victory formation. While that single snap represents his only official regular-season box-score entry, his subsequent stints—including a developmental period with the New York Jets late last year—have steadily expanded his familiarity with professional playbooks and terminology.

Collegiate Pedigree and Dual-Threat Skill Set

The foundation of Martinez’s professional aspirations was built upon a prolific collegiate career that spanned 49 games across two major conferences. Initially making a name for himself as a dynamic starter at Nebraska before finishing his eligibility at Kansas State, Martinez cemented his reputation as one of the most prolific dual-threat quarterbacks in recent college football history.

Over the course of his collegiate journey, Martinez accumulated staggering statistics:

• Passing: Over 9,700 passing yards through the air, demonstrating efficiency and command of complex offensive schemes.
• Rushing: 2,900 rushing yards, utilizing his elite speed and vision to constantly threaten defenses on read-options and designed scrambles.
• Total Touchdowns: 96 combined touchdowns (passing and rushing), highlighting his capability to finish drives in the red zone.

This athletic versatility is precisely what makes Martinez an intriguing developmental asset for modern NFL coaching staffs. The ability to emulate mobile quarterbacks in practice allows defensive units to prepare more effectively for dual-threat signal-callers on opposing schedules.

Strategic Implications for the Seahawks

For the Seahawks, signing Martinez to the practice squad represents a low-risk, high-reward maneuver. In the short term, he provides a capable body to absorb practice reps while Darnold works his way back to full health. In the long term, offensive coordinators across the league are increasingly valuing quarterbacks who possess elite mobility, viewing them as malleable pieces who can adapt to modern offensive philosophies incorporating RPO (Run-Pass Option) elements and designed quarterback runs.

For Martinez, the assignment offers a stable environment to refine his craft under NFL-caliber coaching, absorb weekly game plans, and prove that his MVP-caliber form from the spring league can translate into sustained professional longevity. As the NFL season enters its critical second half, depth charts remain fluid, and Martinez will look to ensure he is fully prepared should his number be called on an active roster once again.