Few quarterbacks make their way to Sam Darnold’s current position from the one he was in in May 2024. The quarterback was on his third team in three years, having been a backup in all three of those seasons.
However, a tremendous 2024 campaign for the Minnesota Vikings put Darnold at the front of the free agent quarterback queue back in March, with the Seattle Seahawks the ones to secure his signature.
During a recent interview, Darnold explained the situation surrounding his arrival in the Pacific Northwest and why he chose the Seahawks.
‘Ever Since I Got Here, It’s Felt Like Home’ – Sam Darnold Seattle
Appearing on an episode of “The Rich Eisen Show,” Darnold gave his thoughts on the remarkable turnaround in his career. The quarterback gave credit to a host of experiences and coaches he’d had during his time with the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, San Francisco 49ers, and the Vikings. He also gave credit to everyone with the Seahawks, who had immediately made him feel welcome.
“It’s been great, it’s been unbelievable,” Darnold said. “Stepping into the building, ever since I got here, it’s felt like home. The reception I got from players, coaches, everybody, top down, it’s been unbelievable.”
Eisen then asked about the moment he realized that he would be a Seahawk, given the number of teams that needed a new starting quarterback. Darnold revealed that he only learned that Seattle was an option after hearing incumbent Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith could be traded. Smith was eventually moved to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick, creating space for Darnold to join the team.
💻 Sam Darnold
The #Seahawks quarterback told us about his decision to sign with Seattle and his expectations heading to the NFC West:#NFL pic.twitter.com/rdAzd2Fkdy
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) May 29, 2025
“I’m talking to my agent, and then, all of a sudden, we find out that Geno’s potentially getting traded. When we found that out, it was kind of like, ‘Okay, Seattle’s in the mix, for sure.’ And, you know, things just kind of happened behind the scenes. And, before you know it, there’s certain things moving and it all happened so fast.”
Will Darnold Succeed in Seattle?
The jury is still out on Darnold, despite the quarterback making his first Pro Bowl last season. Many believe that the player’s sudden upturn in form was a result of head coach Kevin O’Connell’s system in Minnesota, which has benefited several quarterbacks in the past.
Darnold signed a three-year, $105.5 million deal with Seattle in March, including $37.5 million guaranteed. Though the quarterback has no guaranteed money beyond that, his $32 million signing bonus would leave the Seahawks with a remaining $25.6 million in dead money if they cut him after one season.
Some, though, fully believe in the quarterback, pointing to the abysmal teams he played for to start his career. The Jets have gone 14-straight seasons without playoff football and gave Darnold multiple head coaches and offensive coordinators during his tenure. Plus, the Panthers have not necessarily been any more stable after the Cam Newton era.
The number of significant changes that Seattle has made this offseason may impact the team’s chemistry, particularly early on in the season. Darnold will have some top receiving talent to rely on, though, with the electric Jaxon Smith-Njigba joined by veteran receiver Cooper Kupp after the latter’s recent release from the Los Angeles Rams.
Darnold still has doubters, but his career officially has a second life. The former third-overall pick will have a lot to prove in what could very well represent a make-or-break season.