Last season, Sam Darnold had an MVP-level campaign with the Minnesota Vikings. He threw for 35 touchdowns and 4,319 yards, earning the first Pro Bowl nod of his career which helped him sign a multi-year deal in Seattle. Even after having a statistically great season, this move by the Seahawks was looked at with mixed reviews. One commentator said it was one of the worst signings in free agency this offseason.Â
After a Bleacher Report article put the Darnold acquisition atop its list of high-risk moves in the 2025 NFL offseason, Seahawks wire reporter justin Melo shared his perspective on the matter, while also providing analysis from the Bleacher Report author.
“The Seattle Seahawks made the decision to sign free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold after trading starter Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders. Darnold inked a three-year contract worth $100.5 million. Seattle is hoping their gamble pays off. Bleacher Report recently compiled a list of the five riskiest moves of the offseason. The Pittsburgh Steelers’ decision to sign Aaron Rodgers is among the inclusions. Notably at no. 1 overall is the Seahawks’ move to sign Darnold in free agency.Â
“‘The Seattle Seahawks’ gamble is a risk on another level entirely,’Â Kristopher Knox wrote. ‘Like the Rodgers signing, it has the potential to blow up in Seattle’s face and cost jobs. However, it’s a risk Seattle didn’t necessarily have to take. While the financial investment isn’t egregious for a starting quarterback, it’s a lot for a seven-year veteran with exactly one good season on his resume.’ B/R is correct that the Seahawks are taking a huge risk by handing the offense to Darnold. As noted, his previous experience with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak could prove decisive. Kubiak also plans to field a run-heavy offense with Kenneth Walker III and Zach Charbonnet in the backfield, removing some pressure from Darnold.”
Having a career resurgence at the level Sam Darnold had in Minnesota, it seemed to be the perfect situation for him, especially with quarterback guru and head coach Kevin O’Connell guiding him. Many people are skeptical Darnold can replicate the same success in a worse situation in Seattle.
Sam Darnold should not be viewed as just a one-hit wonder. Instead he should be viewed in the same light as Geno Smith and Baker Mayfield, two guys who have really changed old narratives about their careers with stellar, consistent play. Seattle has competent coaching and some great weapons on offense to help Sam Darnold make the 2024 version of himself the new norm.