In a surprising move, the Seattle Seahawks have secured quarterback Sam Darnold on a three-year, $100.5 million contract, sources confirmed Tuesday. The deal, which includes $67 million guaranteed, signals a major shift in Seattle’s quarterback plans as they move forward under head coach Mike Macdonald.
Darnold, 26, spent the 2023 season with the San Francisco 49ers as Brock Purdy’s backup but saw limited action. However, Seattle’s front office believes the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft has the potential to lead the team as they transition away from Geno Smith, who had been the starter for the past two seasons.
Darnold’s contract averages $33.5 million per year, a sizable investment for a player who has yet to establish himself as a long-term franchise quarterback. However, the Seahawks appear confident that under new offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb, Darnold can thrive in a system designed to maximize his strengths.
“We’ve done our homework on Sam, and we believe he’s ready to take the next step,” Seahawks general manager John Schneider said in a statement. “He has all the tools—arm talent, mobility, and leadership—to be successful in our system. We’re excited to see what he can do with this opportunity.”
Darnold, who was originally drafted by the New York Jets, has had an up-and-down career, struggling with consistency in New York before showing flashes of improvement with the Carolina Panthers in 2021 and 2022. Now, with a fresh start in Seattle, he will be tasked with revitalizing an offense that has weapons like DK Metcalf, Tyler Lockett, and Kenneth Walker III.
With this move, the Seahawks are making it clear they see Darnold as their future at quarterback. However, with a hefty price tag attached to the deal, the pressure will be on him to deliver and prove that he can finally live up to his first-round pedigree.
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