Seahawks have placed a loophole in Sam Darnold’s contract in case of emergency

The Seattle Seahawks placed a special clause in Sam Darnold's contract that allows them to cut the quarterback after just one year.

Seahawks have placed a loophole in Sam Darnold’s contract in case of emergency

Details of Sam Darnold's contract with the Seattle Seahawks (Image via IMAGO)

Sam Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, replacing the departed Geno Smith. However, the Seahawks took their sweet time revealing the details of Darnold’s contract.

On the surface, it appears to be a multi-year deal, but the Seahawks have placed an interesting clause that might come in handy in case of a future emergency.

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Darnold is set to make $37.5 million for the 2025-26 season—fully guaranteed. Furthermore, Darnold is owed $27.5 million in 2026-27 with a $17.5 million injury guarantee that becomes fully guaranteed the week after Super Bowl 2026.

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According to Over the Cap, this grants the Seahawks the power to cut Darnold before he triggers his second-year salary without any dead money. The 27-year-old can avoid that by passing the fitness test and proving that he is in shape to attend the training camp and start in 2026.

Depending on Darnold’s first-year performance and health, the Seahawks can move on from the former first-rounder without the hassle of paying him his second-year money of $27.5 million. Keep in mind the Seahawks need to conclude the business before the start of the football year; otherwise, they have to pay him his due money.

Additionally, the contract includes $2 million per year in incentives for individual performance. Darnold can further earn $2.5 million per year for playoff performance and $500,000 per year for team performance.

To summarize in one sentence, the Seattle Seahawks can move on from Sam Darnold after just one year and don’t have to take on any dead money. It’s basically a prove-it one-year deal, disguised as a lucrative contract.

Sam Darnold is aiming for a successful year with the Seahawks

The Seahawks signed Darnold because of his heroics with the Minnesota Vikings. He led the NFC North side to the playoffs by finishing the campaign with a 14-3 record. Darnold ended up with a career-best 4319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 picks.

Seahawks placed a loophole in Sam Darnold's contract in case of emergency
Sam Darnold (Image via IMAGO)

Initially, the consensus was that the Vikings might extend his contract, but they opted against it, and when space opened up in Seattle, they snapped the Pro Bowler up.

Signing with the Seahawks gives Darnold the opportunity for a fresh start and to prove that he is an NFL-level quarterback.

I think we have an opportunity to do something very, very special here, but it’s going to take a lot of hard work… Very excited to take this one day at a time, and that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to put my head down and go to work.

Sam Darnold said during his introductory press conference as the Seahawks’ new quarterback

Darnold reunites with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who was his pass game coordinator at the San Francisco 49ers.

[Sam Darnold] really sticks out is he’s an A-plus teammate—elevates those around him, and guys he plays with respect him because your best players are your hardest workers; that’s what you really strive for. It’s what you want as a coach.

Klint Kubiak said about Darnold

Kubiak has some work to do with the Seahawks offense. Veterans Tyler Lockett and DK Metcalf left the team, seeking new adventures. The Seahawks addressed their departure by adding Super Bowl winner Marquez Valdes-Scantling (one-year deal) and Cooper Kupp (3-year, $45 million deal).

Darnold’s addition could be the missing link to unleash Jaxon Smith-Njigba. The young receiver is entering the third year of his NFL career. In 2024, he recorded 100 receptions for 1130 yards and 6 touchdowns.

The Seahawks also have two young and dynamic running backs, Kenneth Murray and Zach Charbonnet. They combined, added 1100 yards on the ground and 15 rushing touchdowns.

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