Seven-year veteran quarterback and reigning Pro Bowler Sam Darnold has signed a new contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Darnold, a former first-round pick, spent the 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings but has also played for the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers.
Sam Darnold is signing with the Seattle Seahawks on a three-year deal worth $110.5M total, per Adam Schefter.
The first big quarterback domino has fallen.
— Matt Miller (@nfldraftscout.bsky.social) March 10, 2025 at 2:23 PM
Sam Darnold, Seattle Seahawks, Agree to Contract
Darnold enters free agency following the best season of his career. Originally signing with the Vikings as a backup, the former first-round pick was thrust into starting duties after rookie J.J. McCarthy suffered a season-ending preseason injury. Guided by a great offensive mind in Kevin O’Connell and having reliable targets in Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-win season while completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. Unfortunately, he finished the year on a low note with a poor performance against the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card round.
Sam Darnold originally entered the league as a first-round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. Selected by the New York Jets, the USC product beat out veteran Josh McCown for the Week 1 starting job. Inheriting a flawed roster, the rookie finished his inaugural season with 2,865 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions in 13 games. He followed this up with an up-and-down 2019, as a case of mononucleosis caused him to struggle early in the year. However, he came alive down the stretch and gave the team hope for 2020.
Those hopes were soon dashed, as Darnold had his worst season in 2020. Making 12 starts, the quarterback finished the season with just 2,208 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. Following the season, the Jets traded Darnold to the Carolina Panthers to pave the way for second-overall pick Zach Wilson. After two disappointing seasons in Carolina, Darnold spent the 2023 season backing up Brock Purdy with the 49ers.
Since signing his rookie contract, Sam Darnold has appeared in 83 games while making 73 starts. While on the field, the USC product has completed 61.2% of his passes for 16,383 yards, 98 touchdowns, and 68 interceptions.
Main Photo: Mark J. Rebilas – USA Today Sports
