Sam Darnold Gets $100M With The Seahawks: Rodgers, Wilson Next?

The Seattle Seahawks have made a significant change in their quarterback lineup by signing Sam Darnold to a three-year contract worth $110.5 million. This move comes after the team traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Darnold, who had a strong comeback season in 2024, became a top target among NFL free agents. Once the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold faced challenges with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers before joining the Minnesota Vikings. He started as a backup but stepped up when rookie J.J. McCarthy got injured.
Darnold then had his best season yet, throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and achieving a 14-3 record that took the Vikings to the playoffs. This signing indicates more than just a new quarterback; it signals a major shift in the team's roster.
The Seahawks have already traded star wide receiver DK Metcalf and released veteran Tyler Lockett, leaving Darnold without the reliable targets his predecessors had. With this Sam Darnold contract, Seattle now needs to rebuild its offensive strength while ensuring their QB receives the support he needs to thrive.
Sam Darnold Goes To The Seahawks With A 3-Year $100 Million Dollar Contract
The Seattle Seahawks have shown strong support for their new franchise quarterback by inking this Sam Darnold contract: three-years, $110.5 million. This deal includes $55 million guaranteed, highlighting the team's confidence in Darnold's potential to continue his success from the impressive 2024 season.
After facing uncertainty in his career, Darnold now has a stable position in Seattle, where he will lead the team into a new chapter. After trading Geno Smith, the Seahawks viewed Darnold as the perfect successor and made a substantial investment.
While he had a successful regular season, Darnold faced challenges late in the season, struggling with accuracy and taking 11 sacks in his last two games, which led to a disappointing playoff exit. Still, the Seahawks believe Darnold's comeback is genuine and that he has more great football ahead of him.
Sam Darnold Age, Stats & Past Contracts
At 27, Sam Darnold has had a wild journey in the NFL. Born on June 5, 1997, he was the No. 3 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft and has played for five teams, now landing with the Seattle Seahawks in 2025. His career stats show both challenges and achievements, with 16,383 passing yards, 98 touchdowns, and a 61.2% completion rate over 83 games.
His standout season, of course, was in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings, where he passed for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, helping the team achieve a 14-3 record. Sam Darnold's contract history is also notable.
He started with a four-year, $30.25 million guaranteed deal with the New York Jets in 2018. After a trade to the Carolina Panthers in 2021, they picked up his fifth-year option, giving him $18.85 million for 2022.
He then signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, followed by a one-year, $10 million contract with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. Now, with this three-year, $110.5 million Sam Darnold contract in Seattle, he has another opportunity to establish himself as a long-term franchise quarterback.
Who's The Next QB Due To Sign In 2025 NFL Free Agency? (Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson?)
As the 2025 NFL free agency period continues, the quarterback market remains uncertain, with several notable players still without contracts. Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson stand out as top choices, each offering a blend of experience, skill, and uncertainties.
Rodgers had a tough 2024 season with the New York Jets, yet he still managed to achieve 3,897 passing yards, 28 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The New York Giants appear to be the best match for the four-time MVP, as they are in need of a seasoned quarterback to help them succeed immediately. The Las Vegas Raiders and Tennessee Titans are also considered possible destinations.
Meanwhile, Wilson, who had a mixed season with the Pittsburgh Steelers, is likely seen as a transitional quarterback for a team undergoing changes. He ended 2024 with 2,482 yards, 16 touchdowns, and five interceptions, leading Pittsburgh to the playoffs. The Titans, holding the No. 1 draft pick, could be a solid choice if they seek a veteran to guide a rookie quarterback.
Player News
Dolphins signed No. 13 overall pick DT Kenneth Grant to a four-year contract.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that Grant will sign his contract today. The former Michigan defensive tackle is expected to fill a major void left by Christian Wilkins, who left for the Raiders in the 2024 offseason. Grant totaled 32 tackles, three sacks, and seven TFLs in his final season at Michigan and excelled at stopping the run while also generating 27 pressures in his final season, per PFF.
Beat reporter John Hendrix reports that free agent WR Donovan Peoples-Jones is among the 16 players that the Saints will host for their rookie minicamp.
Peoples-Jones last played regular season snaps with the Lions back in 2023, when he caught 13-of-24 targets for 155 yards. He is highly unlikely to return to fantasy relevance at this point but could perhaps sign on as a special teams contributor.
Titans signed fourth-round pick WR Elic Ayomanor to a four-year contract.
Ayomanor will now begin learning behind Calvin Ridley. Although Ayomanor is unlikely to find a meaningful role in year one, dynasty managers should note his status as training camp gets underway this summer. The former Stanford receiver flashed big-play ability in his two college seasons.
Buccaneers signed seventh-round pick WR Tez Johnson to a four-year contract.
Johnson will serve as a rotational deep-threat option for Baker Mayfield. His thin frame (5'10/154) simply does not lend itself to the repeated hits one incurs in a full-time role. Johnson did earn 100-plus targets in his two seasons at Oregon, though. His big-play style make him a better fit in best ball for now, pending any major on-field breakthroughs.
Giants waived DT Casey Rogers.
Rogers was a 2024 undrafted free agent and logged 33 defensive snaps for the Giants in his rookie season. He is credited with zero tackles and/or sacks. He may find his way onto another roster as a practice squad option.
Vikings signed third-round pick WR Tai Felton to a four-year contract.
Felton is quietly in play to challenge Vikings No. 3 WR Jalen Nailor in training camp. Nailor (5'11/190) caught 28-of-42 targets for 414 yards and six touchdowns in his first season as a starter last year, with the latter category buoying his fantasy productivity. Felton (6'1/183), meanwhile, caught 96-of-143 targets for 1,119 yards and nine touchdowns while averaging 2.32 yards per route run in his final college season. Fantasy managers should monitor Felton’s training camp reports this summer, as he could have a matchup-based WR5 role if everything falls into place.