When the Seattle Seahawks signed veteran Quarterback to a 3-year $100.5 million contract earlier in free agency, the NFL world was curious about the specifics of the contract. On Sunday, the contract details become available to the public. Darnold’s deal with the Seahawks is essentially a 1-year $37.5 million contract. As long as Darnold passes a physical at the end of the 2025-26 regular season, he would be owed no more money from the Seattle Seahawks.
If Darnold were unable to pass a physical following the season, he would receive a $17.5 million injury guarantee. This type of clause has led to teams benching quarterbacks late in the season to ensure the player can pass a physical at the season’s end. That took place with the Denver Broncos and Russell Wilson and with the Las Vegas Raiders and Derek Carr. Will Darnold be able to play well for the Seattle Seahawks in 2025?
Seattle Seahawks Offseason Outlook
Seattle’s deal with QB Sam Darnold is effectively a 1-year, $37.5M contract.
Seattle can move on after 2025 with no dead money, as long as Darnold passes a physical.
The only guarantee Darnold has beyond this season is a $17.5M injury guarantee, per @MySportsUpdate pic.twitter.com/bfTvj7CBIh
— SleeperNFL (@SleeperNFL) March 16, 2025
Darnold is set to join a new-look Seattle offense. The team traded Quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this offseason. Seattle will also have a much different receiving corps heading into 2025. The Seahawks traded Wide Receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers and released Wide Receiver Tyler Lockett. Wide Receiver Cooper Kupp was signed earlier this week to replace the talent lost at wide receiver this offseason.
Final Thoughts
It was shocking to see the details of Darnold’s contract. He is coming off the best season of his career with the Minnesota Vikings. Even though he struggled down the stretch of the regular season and postseason, it is surprising to see Darnold has no guaranteed money after the first year of the contract. He will look to play out of his contract with the Seattle Seahawks and show the NFL world his 2024 season was not a fluke.
