The Seattle Seahawks gave rookie quarterback Jake Retzlaff a chance to audition for an NFL job, but didn’t give the controversial signal-caller a contract.
The former BYU and Tulane quarterback earned an invite to Seattle’s rookie minicamp last week, but was one of many who left without a contract or the chance to return for training camp. The Seahawks often audition several players and invite players to fill out thin positions at rookie minicamp, and Retzlaff was among those who failed to earn a ticket back to summer practices.
Jake Retzlaff Leaves Without a Deal
Retzlaff went undrafted after ending his college career, which included an 11-2 season at BYU before he was dismissed from the school for breaking its honor code amid sexual assault allegations. As ESPN reported last year, Retzlaff had faced a long suspension before voluntarily leaving BYU and transferring to Tulane.
âThe parties jointly agreed to dismiss with prejudice, ending the case which was filed last month. None of the parties was immediately available for comment,â the report noted. âRetzlaff now plans to transfer from BYU as he faces a possible seven-game suspension for violating the schoolâs honor code by admitting to premarital sex during the legal proceedings, sources told ESPN. He has begun informing staff and teammates of his intention to leave, sources said.”
The Seahawks had plenty of competition for Retzlaff at rookie minicamp, inviting two other quarterbacks including Mississippi State’s Blake Shapen. Washington quarterback Kai Horton earned the other invite, though it doesn’t appear any made a big enough impression for the Seahawks to bring them back.
The Seahawks are set at quarterback, with Sam Darnold locking down the No. 1 spot after proving his career-best season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 was no fluke. The team also drafted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe last season with the hopes of developing him into a long-term backup or potential starter.
Another Chance for Jake Retzlaff
While Retzlaff didn’t earn a contract from the Seahawks after attending rookie minicamp last week, he did catch the attention of another team. SI.com’s Jovan Alford reported that Retzlaff also earned an invite to attend the New York Jets‘ rookie minicamp next week.
Alford noted that Retzlaff could have a real chance to earn a contract from the Jets, a team with plenty of uncertainty at quarterback.
“Fourth-round pick Cade Klubnik will be under the microscope as fans hope that he can develop into a potential QB2 to start, and eventually a starter,” Alford wrote. “However, Klubnik will not be the only QB throwing at minicamp. On Monday, the Tulane Green Wave announced on their Twitter account that quarterback Jake Retzlaff had received a camp invite.”
Alford added that Retzlaff would have a chance to compete for the No. 3 quarterback if he can impress the Jets, making him a practice-squad candidate at best.
“Needless to say, Retzlaff canât worry about that,” Alford wrote of New York’s muddled quarterback situation. “He can only control whatâs in front of him. He started his collegiate career at the JUCO level at Riverside City College and made his way to BYU, where he spent two seasons.
“Retzlaff completed 56% of his passes for 3,595 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He also added 533 rushing yards and nine touchdowns on the ground. From there, he transferred again, this time to Tulane, after serious off-the-field issues at BYU.”
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