Another piece of Seattle’s championship puzzle just walked out the door.
And the coach who helped build the Seahawks’ offense is now bringing that piece with him to Las Vegas.

Raiders Steal Seahawks Playmaker as Klint Kubiak Begins Building His Own Team

The Seattle Seahawks’ Super Bowl victory may still be fresh in fans’ memories, but the realities of the NFL offseason are already hitting hard.

Another member of Seattle’s championship roster is heading elsewhere.

Wide receiver and special teams contributor Dareke Young has officially joined the Las Vegas Raiders, ending his four-year run with the Seahawks and reuniting with former offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.

While Young wasn’t one of the team’s headline stars, his departure continues a growing trend: Seattle’s title-winning roster is slowly being picked apart by the rest of the league.

From Late Draft Pick to Playoff Hero

Young’s NFL journey began quietly.

The Seahawks selected him in the seventh round of the 2022 NFL Draft out of Division II program Lenoir-Rhyne, making him one of the longest shots to make a real impact on the roster.

Offensively, his opportunities were limited.

Across 42 games with Seattle, Young caught only four passes on six targets, never carving out a consistent role in the passing attack.

But football careers aren’t always defined by statistics.

Young found his value on special teams, where his athleticism, speed, and physical style made him a reliable contributor.

And when Seattle needed a clutch play the most, he delivered one that fans will remember forever.

The Moment That Helped Send Seattle to the Super Bowl

Young’s defining moment came during the NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams.

In the third quarter, Rams returner Xavier Smith muffed a punt, sending the ball bouncing across the field.

Young reacted instantly.

He dove on the loose ball, recovering the fumble and giving Seattle prime field position.

The turnover changed the momentum of the game and helped the Seahawks move closer to the Super Bowl.

For a player who rarely touched the ball on offense, it was a massive moment on the biggest stage.

Sometimes championships hinge on one unexpected play.

And Young was right in the middle of it.

Why the Raiders Wanted Him

The move to Las Vegas isn’t just another free-agent signing—it’s also a reunion.

New Raiders head coach Klint Kubiak previously served as Seattle’s offensive coordinator and worked closely with Young during his time with the Seahawks.

Kubiak saw firsthand how Young’s versatility could help a team.

While primarily used on special teams, Young also flashed potential as a physical receiver capable of stretching the field and contributing in the run game.

For a Raiders team beginning a new era, those kinds of players can be valuable building blocks.

Young’s ability to contribute in multiple phases of the game likely made him an appealing addition as Kubiak starts shaping the roster in Las Vegas.

Another Member of the 2022 Draft Class Departs

Young’s exit also highlights how quickly a roster can change in the NFL.

He now joins several former Seahawks 2022 draft classmates who have left the team this offseason, including:

Kenneth Walker III
Coby Bryant
Riq Woolen
Boye Mafe

For a team that just lifted the Lombardi Trophy, the number of departures has been striking.

Success often comes with a price.

When players prove their value on a championship team, other franchises are eager to bring them in.

What’s Next for Seattle

Despite the roster turnover, Seattle still retains a strong core and remains focused on defending its Super Bowl title.

Only two Seahawks free agents remain unsigned:

Linebacker Chazz Surratt
Wide receiver Cody White

Seattle’s front office will continue balancing roster stability with financial flexibility as it prepares for another championship run.

Meanwhile, Dareke Young begins a new chapter in Las Vegas.

And if he delivers another clutch moment like the one that helped send Seattle to the Super Bowl, Raiders fans may soon understand why the Seahawks valued him so much.