Sam Darnold signs massive contract with Seahawks after Geno Smith’s shocking trade

The Seattle Seahawks signed former Vikings, 49ers, Panthers and Jets' QB Sam Darnold to a three year $100 million contract replacing Geno Smith.

Sam Darnold signs massive contract with Seahawks after Geno Smith’s shocking trade

Sam Darnold (Image via IMAGO)

Sam Darnold is no longer a free agent. Darnold is set to replace Geno Smith as the starting quarterback of the Seattle Seahawks.

The Minnesota Vikings brought Darnold in before the start of the 2024 season as an insurance for rookie JJ McCarthy. Even though McCarthy hurt himself, Darnold reportedly outperformed the CFP champion in the off-season training camp.

YouTube video

Head coach Kevin O’Connell handed Darnold the starting quarterback job, and he finished with 361 completions for 4319 passing yards (66.2% completion rate) and 35 touchdowns. The Vikings ended the season with a 14-3 record and a wild card appearance. 

With McCarthy on close to full recovery and the addition of former Giants quarterback Daniel Jones, the Vikings didn’t feel the need to give Darnold a long-term contract.

Meanwhile, the Seahawks traded away veteran QB Geno Smith to the Raiders and became among the favorites to land Darnold. On Monday, the Seahawks announced through ESPN’s Adam Schefter that they had signed a 3 year, $100.5 million contract with Sam Darnold that includes $55 million guaranteed money.

The move unites Darnold with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who was his passing game coordinator in 2023 at the San Francisco 49ers.

Veteran analyst feels the Seahawks hit the jackpot by signing Sam Darnold

While many would question Darnold signing with the Seahawks after they cleaned house by releasing veteran Tyler Lockett and trading DK Metcalf away to the Steelers, one man has come to his and the Seahawks defense. FS1’s Colin Cowherd, shortly after the signing became public news, claimed that the Seahawks hit the jackpot with Darnold, even though initially, he wanted the Steelers to sign him to pair with Metcalf.

Sam Darnold signs massive contract with Seahawks after Geno Smith's shocking trade
Sam Darnold (Image via IMAGO)

Sam Darnold!!! 3-year, $110 million deal with the Seahawks… He is six months younger than Joe Burrow [Bengals QB], five months younger than Lamar Jackson [Ravens QB], a year younger than Josh Allen [Bills QB], and he got a Baker Mayfield [Buccaneers QB] contract.

Colin Cowherd said on The Herd

Baker Mayfield signed almost an identical 3-year, $100 million contract with $50 million guaranteed with the Buccaneers before the start of the 2024 season. He finished the year with 41 passing touchdowns while leading the team to a divisional playoff game.

Cowherd also compared Smith with Darnold.

Geno wanted $10 million more than this, and I think Darnold is better than Geno. They got a quarterback for slightly more than DK Metcalf would have cost them. That’s good GM’ing.

Colin Cowherd said

Smith turned down an offer of $45 million a year by the Seahawks to sign with the Raiders and link up with former head coach Pete Carroll in Vegas. The Seahawks will pay $10 million less than they had offered Smith, making Darnold a bargain signing. General manager John Schneider made a smart move by bringing in a QB who is still in his prime.

Related: Sauce Gardner makes a bold admission about Aaron Rodgers if he possibly lands up at Vikings