Sam Darnold hopes to 'do something very, very special' as Seahawks' new QB
Once the Seattle Seahawks traded quarterback Geno Smith, Sam Darnold saw his opening.
The Seahawks introduced Darnold on Thursday after he signed a three-year deal he agreed to earlier in the week. The contract is worth $100.5 million, and Darnold will make $37.5 million this season.
“Obviously heard the Geno news, when that broke I knew that this could potentially be a spot for me,” said Darnold, who wore an unbuttoned flannel shirt to his introductory news conference.
Smith was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders last week. He threw for 4,320 yards and 21 touchdowns with 15 interceptions last season for the Seahawks, who missed the playoffs.
The 27-year-old Darnold reunites with new Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak. The two worked together in 2023, when Darnold backed up Brock Purdy with the San Francisco 49ers.
“I think we have an opportunity to do something very, very special here, but it's going to take a lot of hard work — and we know that going in,” Darnold said. “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.”
The Seahawks are the fifth team for Darnold, who was drafted third overall out of Southern California by the New York Jets in 2018 but struggled during three seasons with the Jets and two with Carolina. After pulling backup duty with the Niners, he had a breakthrough in his only season with Minnesota, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 TDs while posting a 102.5 passer rating and leading the Vikings to 14 wins.
“The thing about Sam that really sticks out is he’s an A-plus teammate,” said Kubiak, who was the Niners' passing coordinator when Darnold was there. “He 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 and Sam has that in spades.”
Darnold will be the centerpiece of a new-look offense after the departures of Smith and receivers DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett. Third-year receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who had 100 catches in 2024, should be Darnold's top target.
Darnold has a strong arm and the confidence to fit throws into tight windows. Vikings coach Kevin O'Connell harnessed Darnold's aggressiveness, and the Seahawks hope to do the same.
“You definitely feel Sam's presence, poise, competitiveness, accuracy, the downfield threat, that's certainly a part of it,” Seattle coach Mike McDonald said. “Then to be able to run the show operationally, Sam can do it with the best of them, as well.”
Metcalf, a two-time Pro Bowler who was drafted by the Seahawks in 2019, went to the Pittsburgh Steelers. A fan favorite, Metcalf expressed his gratitude to Seattle in an Instagram post.
“From the city to the organization to the 12s — you’ve been more than just a fanbase. You’ve been family. You’ve given me so much, including the chance to play the game I love alongside some incredible men who will forever be my brothers. To my teammates — you’ve pushed me, believed in me, and let me be me both on and off the field...much love always,” Metcalf wrote.
In other moves, the Seahawks signed veteran receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling to a one-year deal. He played in eight games last season with the Saints, with 17 catches for 385 yards and four touchdowns.
The Seahawks also added longtime Dallas Cowboys edge rusher DeMarcus Lawrence on a reported three-year deal. A four-time Pro Bowler, Lawrence played just four games last season because of a right foot injury. Over 11 seasons, he has 61 1/2 sacks.
Seattle also signed offensive lineman Josh Jones on Thursday.
___
AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/NFL
Topics
-
Sam Darnold introduced as Seahawks new QB, GM Schneider speaks on off season moves
The Seattle Seahawks’ new starting quarterback Sam Darnold was introduced at the team’s headquarters at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center in Renton Thursday.Yahoo Sports - 8h -
Seattle Seahawks and QB Sam Darnold agree to three-year, $100M deal, according to reports
The Seattle Seahawks and QB Sam Darnold have agreed to a three-year deal worth $100.5 million, according to multiple reports.NBC News - 3d -
Sam Darnold signing with Seahawks: Former Vikings QB agrees to three-year, $100.5 million contract, per report
Darnold finds a new NFL home out westCBS Sports - 3d -
Sources: Darnold to Seahawks on $100.5M deal
The Seahawks found their replacement for Geno Smith, agreeing to a 3-year, $100.5 million deal with QB Sam Darnold, sources told ESPN's Adam Schefter.ESPN - 2d -
Why the Seahawks are taking a risk choosing Sam Darnold as their next QB
Darnold is coming off the best season of his career, but can he sustain that with the Seahawks?ESPN - 2d -
Seahawks introduce Sam Darnold as new QB: 'Best days are ahead of him,' Mike Macdonald says
Darnold had the best year of his career as the Vikings starter in 2024CBS Sports - 13h -
Darnold to apply lessons from disastrous '24 finish
New Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is hoping to apply the lessons he learned from the disappointing end to his 2024 season, when he unraveled in two straight losses.ESPN - 3h -
Sam Darnold reportedly signing with Seahawks for 3 years, $100.5 million, with $55M guaranteed
Darnold hit free agency as the most attractive QB on the market.Yahoo Sports - 3d -
Is Sam Darnold to the Seattle Seahawks a good fantasy football fit?
The Seahawks continue with big changes, this time reportedly landing Sam Darnold. Will that change JSN's trajectory for fantasy managers?Yahoo Sports - 3d
More from Yahoo Sports
-
Marcus Mariota says the 'grass isn't always greener' in his return to Commanders
Washington Commanders quarterback Marcus Mariota says the 'grass isn't always greener' elsewhere.Yahoo Sports - 15m -
Former Kansas City Chiefs LB Joshua Uche signs one-year contract with Philadelphia Eagles
According to multiple reports, ex-Kansas City #Chiefs linebacker Joshua Uche has agreed to a deal with the Philadelphia #Eagles | @EdEastonJrYahoo Sports - 15m -
NCAA tournament selection metrics used to build March Madness bracket, explained
The men's NCAA Tournament selection committee team sheets have seven metrics for building March Madness bracket. Here's a breakdown of each one.Yahoo Sports - 15m -
Cooper Flagg injury update: Will Duke basketball star play vs. UNC?
Is Duke star freshman Cooper Flagg expected to play Friday night against North Carolina? Here's what we know.Yahoo Sports - 17m -
Here's why Riley Greene is playing center field for Detroit Tigers in spring training
Detroit Tigers left fielder Riley Greene played center field for six innings Wednesday and six innings Thursday in spring training, just in case.Yahoo Sports - 17m
More in Sports
-
Men's pound-for-pound rankings: Where does Bivol land after win? How about 'Tank' Davis?
A lot of movement in the top 10, including the return of Junto Nakatani, and Dmitry Bivol jumping over Artur Beterbiev. Here are the latest ESPN P4P rankings.ESPN - 8m -
San Diego FC details plan to fight anti-gay chant
MLS expansion team San Diego FC launched a comprehensive plan to stop the anti-gay chant heard throughout Snapdragon Stadium in its home opener match against St. Louis City on March 1.ESPN - 10m -
Álvarez UCL penalty drama could see law change
UEFA said it'll "enter discussions with FIFA and IFAB" over a possible change to the rule that saw Julián Álvarez's penalty disallowed in Atlético Madrid's Champions League defeat to Real Madrid on ...ESPN - 10m -
USWNT's Girma ruled out of cup final for Chelsea
United States defender Naomi Girma will miss Chelsea's League Cup final against Manchester City at Wembley Stadium on Sunday through injury, Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor has confirmed.ESPN - 10m -
Brentford captain feared sleeping pill addiction
Brentford captain Christian Nørgaard has said he feared becoming addicted to sleeping pills after taking the medication to prepare for away games.ESPN - 10m