In a significant move for the Seattle Seahawks, they’ve agreed to terms with former Minnesota Vikings quarterback, Sam Darnold, securing him on a three-year deal worth $100.5 million, reliable sources shared with ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Out of this sum, $55 million is guaranteed, providing Darnold with a substantial financial commitment.
This deal is a part of a flurry of recent activity by the Seahawks. Just three days earlier, they decided to send current starting quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders in exchange for a third-round draft pick, marking the end of Smith’s three-season tenure as Seattle’s quarterback.
Darnold’s acquisition follows hot on the heels of other dramatic changes in Seattle. Star receiver DK Metcalf is headed to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the team has released receiver Tyler Lockett along with four other seasoned players. These decisions signal a period of transformation for the Seahawks as they reshape their roster.
Initially, Seattle endeavored to secure an extension for Smith after February’s NFL scouting combine. However, with those talks stalling, Seattle quickly shifted gears towards Darnold, considered the most attractive quarterback available in the free-agent market.
Reuniting with Seattle’s new offensive coordinator, Klint Kubiak, Darnold brings familiarity from their time together with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 when he backed up Brock Purdy. This fresh offensive partnership is promising for Darnold and the Seahawks’ foreseeable future.
Last season, under the Vikings’ coach Kevin O’Connell, Darnold thrived, leading the team to an impressive 14 wins. His performance exceeded expectations, landing him 5th in NFL rankings for both passing yards (4,319) and touchdown passes (35), along with earning his first Pro Bowl nod. Notably, he also helped secure a win against the Seahawks with three of those touchdowns in December.
Yet, despite these achievements, the season’s end was challenging for Darnold. He underperformed in his final two games, struggling with 23 off-target throws and enduring 11 sacks. These difficulties contributed to losses against the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams, by a cumulative score of 58-18.
Interestingly, the Vikings initially signed Darnold as a backup strategy—an experienced option while they groomed emerging talent, J.J. McCarthy. Darnold’s remarkable training camp, however, placed him at the forefront to start for Week 1, especially after McCarthy’s unfortunate season-ending knee injury in the preseason.
Originally the third pick in the 2018 draft, Darnold’s journey through the NFL has been a roller coaster, from the New York Jets to the Carolina Panthers, then to a backup role with the 49ers, before his recent success with the Vikings. This latest opportunity with Seattle represents a pivotal moment in his career to cement himself as a reliable starting quarterback.
This report also owes insights to ESPN’s Kevin Seifert, who contributed additional context and coverage.
