Resurgent 2024 Pro Bowl Quarterback Secures Deal with the Seahawks

Coming off a resurgent season, quarterback Sam Darnold entered free agency looking to secure a long-term deal after having accepted more short-term contracts in recent years. This past season, after signing a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings, he aimed to find a more stable franchise to play for after a rough start to his NFL career in his first six seasons. After being thrust into the starting role for Minnesota, Darnold took full advantage of the opportunity to showcase his talents, having a breakout career season at 27 years old. However, the season ended in disappointment with the Vikings’ Wild Card Round loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Despite the disappointing finish, Darnold’s breakout year has led him to secure a long-awaited payday, as the Seattle Seahawks and Darnold have agreed to a three-year deal worth $100.5 million. 

Coming into the NFL, the former USC Trojans quarterback was a highly touted prospect entering the 2018 NFL Draft. Darnold helped lead USC to a 2017 Rose Bowl win in his freshman season, was named the PAC-12 Offensive Freshman of the Year, and threw 25 or more touchdowns in both of his seasons with the Trojans. As a result, the New York Jets selected him third overall in the draft. During his three seasons with the Jets, Darnold struggled to translate his talents to the NFL, throwing 10 or more interceptions in each of his first three seasons and passing for fewer than 3,000 yards in two of them, barely surpassing 3,000 yards in the third by just 24 yards. Due to the instability and lack of success, Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers in April 2021, where he spent two seasons before joining the San Francisco 49ers in 2023.

Entering last season with Minnesota, Darnold was expected to compete with rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy, the 10th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, for the starting job. However, after McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury in the preseason, Darnold was named the starter. In 17 games, Darnold thrived in head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system, setting new career highs in nearly every statistical category. He finished the season with 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, just 12 interceptions, and a passer rating of 102.5. With his future secured after his free agent deal with Seattle, both Darnold and the Seahawks hope the seven-year veteran can continue his resurgence and lead Seattle to success next season.