Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has officially agreed to a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, as reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter. This lucrative deal includes $55 million guaranteed for Darnold, who is set to step in as the starter, replacing Geno Smith. The Seahawks made this strategic move just three days after trading Smith, who had been their starting quarterback for the past three seasons, to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round draft pick.
This contract for Darnold is part of a flurry of activity for the Seahawks, who also agreed to trade star wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Additionally, the team released receiver Tyler Lockett last week, signaling a significant shift in their roster. Darnold's arrival in Seattle not only adds depth to the quarterback position but also reunites him with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. Kubiak previously served as the passing game coordinator for the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, where Darnold had a brief stint as a backup to Brock Purdy.
At just 27 years old, Darnold experienced a resurgence in the Vikings system last season under coach Kevin O'Connell. He played a pivotal role in leading Minnesota to an impressive 14 wins, a marked improvement from the 21 games he won over his previous six seasons. During his tenure with the Vikings, Darnold ranked fifth in the NFL for both passing yards (4,319) and touchdown passes (35), earning his first career Pro Bowl invitation.
Despite his successful season, Darnold faced challenges towards the end, with his final two games showcasing a drop in performance. He struggled significantly, recording a total of 23 off-target throws and being sacked 11 times, as the Vikings suffered two heavy losses to the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams, with a combined score of 58-18. After the season, the Vikings signed Darnold in 2024 as a backup plan while they prepared to draft their quarterback of the future.
Originally the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft, Darnold has had a rollercoaster career, spending three seasons with the New York Jets, two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, and one year as a backup with the 49ers. His signing with the Vikings was seen as a final opportunity to prove himself as a viable NFL starter. Following a strong training camp, he was positioned to be the Vikings' starting quarterback until J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending knee injury during the preseason opener.
With his new contract with the Seahawks, Sam Darnold is poised to embark on a new chapter in his career, hoping to capitalize on this opportunity and establish himself as a leading quarterback in the NFL.
