Sam Darnold is taking a $100.5 million plunge to Seattle.
After spending last season with the Minnesota Vikings, Darnold, 27, signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks on March 10. As he takes over Geno Smith’s starting role, his girlfriend Katie Hoofnagle is right by his side for the ride.
Reportedly dating since 2023, Hoofnagle has been helping Darnold with the big move. She’s also been celebrating his new chapter while keeping fans updated along the way.
Katie Hoofnagle Gushes Over Sam Darnold’s New House
On Monday, Katie shared a photo of Darnold’s new home with her followers. He’s seen in the background while she holds the keys and flashes a blushing emoji.
Darnold has praised Katie for being his rock and for her constant support.
“The support from my girlfriend is unbelievable,” Darnold told US Weekly in March. “You know, the fact that she just understands it. She’s a former athlete herself, and just gets kind of the grind of everything. When I just want to chill, she’s very up for that, especially during the season.”
He also joked about how she motivates him during the offseason.
“Maybe not so much in the offseason,” Darnold said. “If she wants to go somewhere and I just want to chill, she’s like, ‘Let’s go out to dinner. We need to go to dinner.’”
Outside of their downtime, Darnold is fired up about settling into Seattle and meeting his new team.
“I’m at the point where I just want to get there,” he said. “I want to get there for OTAs [Organized Team Activities] and spend a bunch of time with my coaches and my teammates.”
The Seahawks are expected to open OTAs in late May or early June.
Sam Darnold’s Contract Doesn’t Immune Him From Getting Benched
Darnold’s three-year, $100.5 million deal includes a $32 million signing bonus and $52.5 million guaranteed.
But even with that contract, Darnold isn’t immune to getting benched. If he struggles or the Seahawks fall short in the win column, the team won’t hesitate to make a move. His deal also includes a $17.5 million injury guarantee that vests if he can’t pass a physical in early February 2026.
Of course, getting hurt — or benched — isn’t part of the plan.
In 2024, Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record and made the Pro Bowl. He set career highs in passing yards (4,319), touchdowns (35), completion percentage (66.2%), and passer rating (102.5).
