The Seattle Seahawks have made significant roster changes this offseason, including trading quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick and sending star wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for a second-round selection. They also parted ways with veteran receiver Tyler Lockett.
Despite these major moves, NFL.com’s Jeffri Chadiha believes Seattle’s most impactful decision was signing former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold. The Seahawks secured Darnold on a three-year, $100.5 million contract, with $55 million guaranteed. Chadiha ranks this acquisition as the sixth-best transaction of the NFL offseason so far.
Darnold is coming off a standout year with the Vikings, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns—both ranking fifth in the league—alongside 12 interceptions. His QBR of 60.4 placed him 14th among quarterbacks. He played a crucial role in Minnesota’s success, leading the team to a 14-3 record despite losing rookie quarterback J.J. McCarthy to injury.
However, Darnold’s performance declined at the end of the season. He struggled in Minnesota’s final regular-season loss to the Detroit Lions, which cost them home-field advantage, and was sacked nine times in a playoff defeat against the Los Angeles Rams.
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While signing Darnold comes with some risk, Chadiha notes that Seattle structured his contract to allow flexibility if he underperforms. “(Darnold’s deal is) designed so the Seahawks can move on after a year without major financial repercussions,” Chadiha explained. “That provides insurance in case he struggles like he did late last season. But if things go as planned, Seattle won’t need to worry.”
Seahawks fans have reasons to be both excited and cautious about Darnold’s arrival, as the team looks to solidify its quarterback position for the future.
