The Seattle Seahawks surprised many people when they traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. It left a huge void in the quarterback position, which is the most important in football. Sam Howell is still on the roster, but he has been far from impressive. Reports indicated they would go after a veteran, but free agency is risky, as the player could decide to sign anywhere. However, the Seahawks landed their guy. Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has signed a three-year deal with the team.
Seattle Seahawks Sign Sam Darnold
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports it is a three-year, $100.5 million contract with $55 million guaranteed. New Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak previously worked with Sam Darnold during his time with the San Francisco 49ers. Many credit his year in San Francisco for his turnaround. Heading into the season, the former second-overall pick was seen as a temporary placeholder until rookie JJ McCarthy was ready.
While McCarthy got injured in the preseason, he probably would not have replaced the veteran. Darnold led the team to a 14-3 record, throwing 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. The passing yards and touchdowns were career highs for the former New York Jet. It seemed like a lock for the Vikings to re-sign him, but the last regular season game against the Lions and the playoff loss to the Rams soured the team on his potential. With McCarthy already in the fold, they could afford to lose Darnold.
Good Fit For Seattle?
The Seattle Seahawks have had an eventful offseason. Smith was not the only piece traded, as the team shipped out wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday. Many wondered whether they would enter a full rebuild. This does not seem to be the case. The offense still has Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who quietly became one of the best receivers in the NFL over the back half of the season.
Running backs Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet have shown dominance at times. On the defensive side of the ball, head coach Mike MacDonald has already shown his prowess in creating a good scheme, and they have plenty of young talent, including Devon Witherspoon. The biggest question right now is Darnold. Can he follow up last year with more success, or was he a one-hit-wonder quarterback who will come down to earth in 2025?
