Sam Darnold earned Pro Bowl honors as the Minnesota Vikings’ quarterback last season, but doubts remain about whether he can maintain that level of play moving forward.
Despite those uncertainties, the Seattle Seahawks signed Darnold to a three-year deal worth over $100 million in free agency, outbidding the Vikings, who were hesitant to make such a significant financial commitment with second-year QB and 2024 No. 10 pick J.J. McCarthy waiting in the wings.
However, Seattle structured the contract so they can move on from Darnold with minimal financial consequences after just one season. The team’s decision to use a third-round pick on Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in April only underscored their lack of long-term commitment to Darnold.
Darnold will still have weapons at his disposal, including standout slot receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and newly acquired star wideout Cooper Kupp. Even so, league analysts remain skeptical that the 27-year-old will hold onto the starting job beyond the 2025 season.
“Sam Darnold’s contract doesn’t leave Seattle exposed beyond 2025, so it’s safe to assume this is a one-year audition,” Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report noted on May 9. “Based on what happened at the end of last season, there’s a good chance he fails.”
Sam Darnold Made Most of Single Season in Minnesota
Sam Darnold secured a lucrative contract from the Seattle Seahawks—featuring \$52.5 million guaranteed and a \$37.5 million signing bonus—after an impressive season with the Minnesota Vikings. He led the team to a 14-3 regular-season record and secured the top NFC wildcard seed (No. 5 overall), despite narrowly missing out on the NFC North title to the Detroit Lions in the final week.
According to Pro Football Reference, Darnold posted career-best numbers with 4,319 passing yards and 35 touchdown passes, while limiting himself to just 12 interceptions.
Darnold wasn’t a lock to be the starter going into the 2024 season, having joined the Vikings on a one-year deal. He was in a tight competition with rookie J.J. McCarthy during training camp, but McCarthy’s chances were derailed by a knee injury in August. The injury required two surgeries and sidelined him for his entire rookie year.
J.J. McCarthy Has Gained Belief of Vikings Teammates Early in Offseason
Now 22 years old, J.J. McCarthy is heading into training camp as the expected starting quarterback for the Vikings. Minnesota acquired Sam Howell in a trade with the Seahawks—Howell, entering his fourth NFL season in 2025, is the leading candidate to serve as McCarthy’s backup.
Despite limited offseason practices, McCarthy has already impressed his teammates with both his talent and demeanor.
“He’s got a crazy arm,” said tight end T.J. Hockenson during the May 5 episode of the “Green Light with Chris Long” podcast. “It’s like when I used to catch passes from Matthew Stafford—those throws just zip in out of nowhere. J.J. has that same kind of power behind his throws.”
Hockenson added, “His arm talent is off the charts, and his personality really meshes well with the team. I think he’s got a bright future in this league.”