A year ago, Sam Darnold signed a modest one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings, but this offseason, he became one of the most intriguing names in NFL free agency. The Seattle Seahawks made a major commitment to the quarterback, signing him to a three-year, $100.5 million contract, with $55 million guaranteed.
This deal marks a massive financial jump from the $10 million contract he played on last season with the Vikings. Despite a strong campaign, Darnold’s struggles in the final games of the season may have slightly impacted his overall market value. However, his performance throughout most of the year was strong enough to earn him a lucrative deal with Seattle.
Darnold’s Breakout Season Overshadowed by Late Struggles and Free Agency Uncertainty
Darnold’s 2023 season was a rollercoaster. For most of the year, he exceeded expectations, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns while posting a career-best 102.9 passer rating. His impressive play even earned him three fifth-place MVP votes, a significant accomplishment considering his past struggles.
However, his performance in the Vikings’ final two games cast some doubt on his consistency. He struggled in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions and again in a wild-card loss to the Los Angeles Rams. These performances revived concerns about his tendency to make critical mistakes, a flaw that had followed him from his early years with the Jets and Panthers.
Sam Darnold (NFL)Despite his late-season struggles, Darnold stood out in a free-agent quarterback market that lacked strong options. The Vikings, uncertain about rookie J.J. McCarthy’s readiness after missing the season due to injury, decided not to use the franchise tag on Darnold.
This allowed him to explore his options, and several teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, were rumored to have interest. However, the Raiders ultimately acquired Geno Smith, leaving Seattle as the most logical destination for Darnold. With several teams in need of a competent quarterback, the Seahawks decided to invest heavily in a player with potential upside.
Seattle Banks on Darnold as Long-Term Answer Despite Risks and Uncertainties
For Darnold, the move to Seattle represents a fresh opportunity to lead a team without immediate pressure from a highly drafted backup. Had he remained in Minnesota, McCarthy would have been waiting in the wings, ready to take over if Darnold faltered.
Seattle, on the other hand, views him as a long-term solution, choosing to trade away Smith and commit to Darnold as their starter. Though they parted ways with star wide receiver DK Metcalf, the Seahawks still have offensive talent and a team that finished 10-7 last season. With the right support, Darnold could help Seattle remain competitive in the NFC.
Seattle’s decision to invest in Darnold is a gamble, especially considering his shaky finish to last season. However, they believe in his talent, draft pedigree, and the 16 strong games he played with the Vikings. At just 28 years old, Darnold still has room to improve, and the Seahawks are betting that he can take another step forward.
Meanwhile, Minnesota officially moves on to a new era with McCarthy, while Seattle hopes that their investment in Darnold will pay off. Whether this move ultimately leads to success for the Seahawks remains to be seen, but they have clearly placed their faith in Darnold as their quarterback of the future.