Sam Darnold’s Revival Fuels Seahawks’ Super Bowl Run - Can the Dolphins Find Their Own Version?
The Seattle Seahawks are heading to the Super Bowl, and while their defense has been the headline story all season long, the real twist in this tale is under center. After trading away Geno Smith, Seattle handed the keys to Sam Darnold - a quarterback once labeled a draft bust - and the gamble has paid off in a big way.
Darnold, who struggled to find consistency early in his career, found new life with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. That stint helped reshape his trajectory and, more importantly, his confidence.
Now, in Seattle, he’s not just managing games - he’s making plays, leading drives, and showing the kind of poise that once made him a top draft pick. The Seahawks bet big on his resurgence, and with a Super Bowl berth to show for it, it’s safe to say that bet is paying off.
Naturally, teams around the league are watching closely - including the Miami Dolphins.
Can the Dolphins Find Their Own Darnold?
The Dolphins are at a crossroads. After another season that fell short of expectations, Miami is in search of a new direction.
The front office has turned over, with Jon-Eric Sullivan stepping in as general manager and Jeff Hafley taking over as head coach. Together, they’re tasked with building a more resilient, competitive roster - and that starts with re-evaluating the most important position in football.
The question is: can the Dolphins find their own version of Sam Darnold?
It’s not just about taking a flier on a former first-rounder. It’s about identifying a quarterback who still has untapped potential - someone who, with the right system and support, can elevate a team.
Darnold’s turnaround didn’t happen overnight. It took a fresh environment, strong coaching, and a commitment to tailoring the offense to his strengths.
Miami will need to take a similarly nuanced approach if they hope to strike gold.
Familiar Roots: Sullivan’s Ties to Success
There’s reason for optimism in South Florida. Jon-Eric Sullivan brings a pedigree that’s hard to ignore.
Before landing in Miami, he worked in the Green Bay Packers’ front office - a franchise known for its consistency and talent development. That same Packers DNA is now showing up in other successful front offices, including the ones in Seattle and New England - both of which are heading to Super Bowl 60.
Sullivan’s influence is already being felt. The Dolphins are not just rebuilding - they’re retooling with purpose. And that starts with how they approach this offseason.
Senior Bowl: Scouting Talent and Building Staff
This week, the Dolphins are in Mobile, Alabama for the Senior Bowl - and make no mistake, this is more than just a scouting trip. The Senior Bowl serves as both a talent evaluation hub and a networking hotspot for coaches and front office personnel. For a team in transition like Miami, it’s a critical opportunity to lay the groundwork for the future.
Sullivan and Hafley are expected to be active on both fronts. On the field, they’ll be watching closely to identify prospects who fit their vision - players who can contribute early and grow with the team. Off the field, they’ll be networking, evaluating coaching talent, and continuing to build out a staff that aligns with their philosophy.
This isn’t a quick fix. The Dolphins are playing the long game - and if they can find their own version of a Sam Darnold reclamation story, it could jumpstart the next chapter in Miami football.
For now, the blueprint is clear: scout smart, build patiently, and don’t be afraid to take a calculated risk - just like the Seahawks did.