Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold has signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, but the structure of the deal suggests it is essentially a one-year commitment. While Darnold’s annual salary is $33.5 million, the Seahawks have an option to release him after just one season, owing him only $37.5 million. This setup allows Seattle to move on if Darnold does not maintain his performance level.
Darnold enjoyed a career-best season with the Vikings, completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 32 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. His previous high was 3,024 yards with 19 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2019 with the New York Jets. However, his struggles in the final games of the 2024 season raised concerns. In losses to the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions, he completed just 53% of his passes for 411 yards, one touchdown, and one interception while taking 11 sacks. A win against the Lions would have secured the NFC North title, avoiding the Wild Card round.
Darnold acknowledged his struggles, particularly with holding onto the ball too long. He emphasized learning from those experiences and improving his decision-making under pressure. With escalators in his deal that could increase his annual salary to $38.5 million, the Seahawks are betting on Darnold proving his Pro Bowl season was not a fluke.
Seattle has also added offensive weapons, including former Rams receiver Cooper Kupp, two-time Super Bowl champion Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and 2024 Pro Bowler Jaxon Smith-Njigba, to support Darnold.
Meanwhile, the Vikings are searching for a new quarterback. Reports suggest Aaron Rodgers is interested in joining Minnesota, seeking a similar payday to Darnold. The Vikings also have J.J. McCarthy, their 2024 first-round pick, and Brett Rypien on the roster. McCarthy missed the 2024 season with a torn meniscus, while Rypien has limited starting experience.
Veteran quarterback Joe Flacco, 40, is another potential option for Minnesota, as he may be more accepting of a backup role if McCarthy is given the starting job. The Vikings’ quarterback decision will be a key storyline heading into the 2025 season.