Before joining the Seattle Seahawks, Sam Darnold had worn four other uniforms and just as many labels. The former No. 3 in the 2018 draft pick moved from promise to doubt to backup duty, then back to relevance. His road to Super Bowl LXÂ began long before anyone believed it could. Let’s take a look at all five of Darnold’s stops ahead of his Super Bowl debut.
New York Jets (2018-2020)
The Weight of a Promise Too Big
The New York Jets drafted Darnold third overall in 2018Â and made him an immediate starter. Across three seasons in New York, he appeared in 38 games and threw 45 touchdown passes with 39 interceptions, completing 59.8 percent of his attempts. Darnold showed flashes of mobility and arm strength, including a 2019 stretch in which he passed for 19 touchdowns.
A low point came on a prime-time game against New England when a sideline microphone captured his frustration in real time when he said he was “seeing ghosts” during a multi-interception loss. New York traded him to the Carolina Panthers after the 2020 season, closing his first chapter as a full-time starter.
Carolina Panthers (2021-2022)
From Matt Rhule to Steve Wilks, More Change for Sam Darnold
Darnold joined Carolina in 2021 and played parts of two seasons, starting 17 games overall. He totaled 3,670 passing yards with 16 touchdowns and 16 interceptions. Darnold had a promising start to the 2021 season under head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady.
But a shoulder injury in 2021 cost him time, and by 2022, Brady was fired, followed by Rhule. Carolina declined his fifth-year option and moved toward other options at the position in 2022. Darnold started the final six games under interim head coach Steve Wilks. The Panthers released him the following offseason, leading to a one-year opportunity in San Francisco.
San Francisco 49ers (2023)
Development in a Backup Role under Kyle Shanahan
Darnold signed with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023 and served primarily as a reserve behind Brock Purdy. He appeared in 10 games and completed 60.9 percent of his passes. It’s now clear that taking a season to learn Kyle Shanahan’s system was invaluable.
San Francisco reached the Super Bowl that season, and Darnold spent the year in a structured offense built on timing and play-action concepts. The role marked his first season without starting expectations since entering the league. After one year of learning under Shanahan, he entered free agency and signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings.
Minnesota Vikings (2024)
A Breakthrough Season With an Uncertain Ending
Darnold signed a one-year deal with Minnesota in 2024 and delivered the best production of his career, completing 66.2 percent of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record. It was a storybook season under head coach Kevin O’Connell, but late-season struggles against the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Rams tempered the organization’s long-term confidence.
The Vikings chose not to use the franchise tag and offered only another short-term contract. When Darnold reached free agency, Seattle signed him to a three-year deal. With the Vikings, Darnold made his first Pro Bowl appearance and set a career-high passer rating.
Seattle Seahawks (2025-Present)
From Stopgap to Super Bowl Starter
Seattle signed Darnold without fanfare, yet he quickly became the centerpiece of a balanced offense. He earned another 14-win season and won his first two playoff games. The best performance of his career came in the NFC Championship.
Against the Rams, he threw for 346 yards and 3 touchdowns, matching Matthew Stafford throw-for-throw in a 31-27 victory. Surrounded by weapons like receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and running back Kenneth Walker III, Darnold seems to have finally found a long-term home ahead of Super Bowl 60.
