Sam Darnold’s Unexpected Success
It’s uncommon for a quarterback like Sam Darnold, who achieved numerous victories last season, to be viewed as one of the offseason’s less notable acquisitions.
During the previous season, Darnold guided the Minnesota Vikings to a remarkable 14-3 record, tying with the Super Bowl-winning Philadelphia Eagles for the second-most wins in the NFL. He also set personal bests in passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating.
However, following disappointing performances in both the Vikings’ last regular-season game and their playoff exit, Minnesota opted not to renew Darnold’s contract. Even with him finishing 2024 with the sixth-best passer rating and the fifth-most touchdown passes, they decided to move on.
When Darnold signed a three-year, $105 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks—ranking 18th among quarterbacks in average salary—the reaction was largely tepid. ESPN rated the signing as a B-, labeling Darnold a downgrade from previous quarterback Geno Smith, while Pro Football Network criticized the deal as one of the worst in recent free agency.
Fast forward to Week 6 of the 2025 season, and Darnold is not only rebutting his detractors but has also transformed into one of the league’s top quarterbacks. According to Pro Football Focus, he is the highest-graded quarterback, while ranking second in ESPN’s QBR.
In Seattle’s close 38-35 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5, Darnold displayed his skill by throwing for 341 yards and four touchdowns, even leading the team back from a two-score deficit. Despite misfortune on the final drive, where an interception resulted from a tipped pass, his teammates and coaches commended his performance.
As Darnold’s achievements elevate the Seahawks’ reputation, they also cast doubt on the decisions of other teams. Geno Smith, who enjoyed three winning seasons with Seattle, is struggling with the Las Vegas Raiders, while the Vikings face their own quarterback issues, highlighting the challenges of their decision to let Darnold go.
