The Seattle Seahawks have secured their new starting quarterback, agreeing to a three-year, $100.5 million contract with Sam Darnold, according to a source familiar with the deal. The agreement includes $55 million in guaranteed money, with Darnold set to earn $37.5 million in 2025.
Darnold had an impressive season in Minnesota, passing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns while maintaining a 102.5 passer rating and leading the Vikings to 14 wins.
Originally selected third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, Darnold faced struggles during his time in New York and Carolina, where he posted a 78.2 passer rating—one of the lowest among quarterbacks with at least 500 attempts. However, after serving as a backup in San Francisco in 2023, he revitalized his career with standout performances, recording 12 games with multiple touchdown passes and a passer rating above 100.
Despite his success, Darnold’s season ended on a sour note with two subpar performances, including a 31-9 loss to Detroit in Week 18 and a wild-card round defeat against the Los Angeles Rams. These struggles contributed to the Vikings’ decision to let him enter free agency, paving the way for J.J. McCarthy to take over as their quarterback.
Darnold’s signing comes shortly after the Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round draft pick. Seattle is also undergoing other major roster changes, including a trade sending star receiver D.K. Metcalf to Pittsburgh for a second-round pick and the release of receiver Tyler Lockett.
The Seahawks, who finished 10-7 last season but missed the playoffs, are looking to rebuild their roster under head coach Mike Macdonald. They hope Darnold can help restore the team to Super Bowl contention after years of limited postseason success.
In addition to acquiring Darnold, the Seahawks made two other moves on Monday. They secured a multi-year deal with defensive tackle Jarran Reed and reached an agreement on a one-year, $4.75 million contract with offensive lineman Josh Jones. Reed, 32, recorded 4.5 sacks and 15 quarterback hits last season, while Jones, a former Arizona Cardinals draft pick, brings versatility as both a tackle and guard.
All transactions will be finalized when the new league year begins on Wednesday.
