Sam Darnold is heading to Seattle after agreeing to a three-year, $100.5 million deal with the Seahawks, including $55 million guaranteed. The move follows the trade of Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, leaving Seattle in need of a starting quarterback.

Darnold revived his career in Minnesota last season, completing 66% of his passes for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, all career highs, under Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell. The former Jets first-round pick had struggled with consistency before finding success in Minnesota after a preseason injury to rookie J.J. McCarthy thrust him into the starting role. Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-2 record, throwing 18 touchdowns with just two interceptions over a critical seven-game stretch.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

 

In Seattle, he will be without receiver D.K. Metcalf, who was traded to Pittsburgh, but will have former first-rounder Jaxon Smith-Njigba as his top target. He also reunites with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who coached him in San Francisco.

Despite his strong regular season, Darnold’s market took a hit after a rough finish. The Vikings lost their season finale to Detroit, where he threw for just 166 yards with no touchdowns, followed by a wild-card loss to the Rams where he was sacked nine times and struggled under pressure. Now, he gets a fresh start in Seattle, where he will look to build on his 2024 resurgence.