Responding to a series of reader questions, Dugar notes that “Darnold’s contract is effectively a one-year, $37.5 million deal with an option for a second year.” In a scenario where John Schneider’s round-based grade aligns with a quarterback prospect’s availability, then “the team will likely draft the prospect.” He specifically indicates that if Schneider views Ole Miss QB Jaxson Dart as a first-round talent, Schneider would draft Dart ahead of standout players like Arizona WR Tetairoa McMillan and South Carolina S Nick Emmanwori.

“Seeing Sam turn his back to the defense and find deep crossers and hit guys in stride is definitely a strength of his game — one of many strengths (in addition) to throwing on the run,” Kubiak added. Kubiak has been a heavy play-action pass user in his first two years as a play caller, with Kirk Cousins in 2021 ranking second in under-center play-action rank and Derek Carr last year ranking fourth. Marques Valdes-Scantling may be the current lead for deep-shot targets after how he performed for Kubiak in New Orleans last season. Assuming the offensive line holds up — a big leap admittedly — this could be a helpful way for Seattle to keep Darnold productive.

Shortly after Florio about the terms of Darnold’s contract not yet being available, Florio was back with the details from “a source with knowledge of the terms.” According to Florio, Darnold is set to earn a guaranteed $37.5 million in 2025. However, Darnold’s 2026 compensation, which is $27.5 million overall and $17.5 million in guaranteed money, doesn’t kick in until the week after the Super Bowl. This means there will be a handful of weeks after the season ends for the Seahawks to decide if the team wants to continue forward with Darnold in 2026, or be one-and-done with the former first-round pick. Darnold threw for 3,419-35-12 in his lone season with the Vikings. Now, the Seahawks and GM John Schneider hope he can provide a significant upgrade over Geno Smith, who they traded to the Raiders just over a week ago. If Darnold doesn’t live up to expectations, the Seahawks can cut bait after the season and move on without owing him any more than the money paid to him in 2025. It’s a very team friendly deal, for a team that may be right back in the QB market in 2026 if things don’t pan out.