How the Seahawks Landed Sam Darnold-and Rode Him to the Super Bowl
The Seattle Seahawks are heading to Super Bowl 60, set to square off against the New England Patriots. And while their defense has been a cornerstone all season, their NFC Championship win over the Los Angeles Rams had less to do with shutting down MVP Matthew Stafford-and everything to do with the resurgence of Sam Darnold.
Yes, that Sam Darnold.
Signed by Seattle less than a year ago, Darnold has gone from a journeyman quarterback to the centerpiece of a Super Bowl run. And now, with 346 passing yards and three touchdowns in the NFC title game, he’s not just a feel-good story-he’s the reason the Seahawks are still playing football in February.
A Contract That Changed Everything
So how did Seattle end up with Darnold in the first place?
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, it came down to one key detail: the Seahawks simply offered more in Year 2 of Darnold’s contract than the Minnesota Vikings were willing to. While the Vikings reportedly saw Darnold as a short-term bridge and offered a one-year deal, Seattle stepped up with a two-year commitment that included a stronger financial incentive in that second season.
That extra push made the difference. The Seahawks landed Darnold, and now they’re reaping the rewards.
Darnold’s deal includes $27.5 million for the 2026 season-money that now looks like a bargain given the way he’s played. With a Super Bowl appearance under his belt, there’s little doubt that second-year option is getting picked up.
Darnold’s Career Year
At 28, Darnold is putting together the kind of season that once seemed out of reach. He threw for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns, completing 67.7% of his passes. He led the Seahawks to a 14-3 record, earned a 99.1 passer rating, and picked up his second Pro Bowl nod in as many years.
Of course, it wasn’t all clean. Darnold led the league with 11 fumbles and tossed 14 interceptions-mistakes that could’ve derailed a lesser team.
But when it mattered most, he delivered. His NFC Championship performance was a masterclass in poise and precision, outdueling Stafford and punching Seattle’s ticket to the big game.
What Went Wrong in Minnesota
The Vikings had their shot to keep Darnold. But a rough two-game finish to the 2024 season-losses to the Lions and Rams-cast doubt on his long-term fit in Minnesota.
With first-round pick J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings, the front office, led by then-GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah, opted for a cautious approach.
That caution cost them.
Seattle’s willingness to commit to Darnold beyond a single season gave them the edge. And now, while the Vikings are regrouping with a new GM and a rookie quarterback, the Seahawks are prepping for the Super Bowl with a revitalized Darnold at the helm.
It’s one of the most unexpected quarterback stories in recent memory-and it’s still being written.