Seahawks signing QB Sam Darnold to 3-year, $100.5 million contract
Sam Darnold is stepping into another opportunity created by Geno Smith’s departure.
The Seattle Seahawks have agreed to sign Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract, including $55 million guaranteed, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport, Mike Garafolo, and Tom Pelissero.
This massive contract marks a significant turnaround for Darnold, who just a year ago inked a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings to serve as a bridge quarterback. His resurgence in Minnesota has now earned him one of the biggest paydays of his career.
Originally selected third overall by the New York Jets in 2018—a team that previously failed to develop Geno Smith into a franchise quarterback—Darnold struggled through three inconsistent seasons. He later spent two years with the Carolina Panthers and had a brief stint as a backup with the San Francisco 49ers. Heading into Minnesota, Darnold had a career record of 21-35, with 12,064 passing yards, 63 touchdowns, 56 interceptions, and a 59.7% completion rate.
But his 2024 season with the Vikings changed everything. He led the team to 14 wins, threw for a career-best 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, and posted a 66.2% completion rate. However, a poor Week 18 performance against the Lions and a lackluster wild-card loss to the Rams raised doubts about his long-term future in Minnesota.
Despite not using the franchise tag on him, the Vikings remained interested in bringing Darnold back under the right conditions, per Rapoport and Pelissero.
On March 7, the Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Raiders, triggering one of the offseason’s biggest quarterback moves. According to Pelissero, Smith turned down a contract offer similar to the one Darnold later accepted before the trade was finalized.
Reports over the weekend suggested Seattle was shifting focus to Darnold, with Minnesota no longer viewed as his likely landing spot.
Now, just two days later, the Seahawks have officially landed their next quarterback in Sam Darnold.