NFL World Reacts to Sam Darnold's $100.5 Million Deal With Seahawks

Karl Rasmussen | Mar 10, 2025

Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold during NFC Practice for the Pro Bowl Games / Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

The Seattle Seahawks have found their quarterback of the future, having agreed to a three-year contract with former Minnesota Vikings QB Sam Darnold, per multiple reports.

Darnold will collect $100.5 million over the course of the deal, including a fully-guaranteed $55 million. He will be the Seahawks replacement for Geno Smith after the deal that sent Smith from Seattle to the Las Vegas Raiders last week.

Darnold essentially parlayed a breakout season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024 into a lucrative new deal with the Seahawks this offseason. His career year last season saw him throw for 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while completing 66.2% of his passes–– all of which represented career bests.

The NFL world had plenty to say on social media after reports of Darnold's deal with the Seahawks surfaced, with his $100.5 million contract drawing some mixed reactions from football fans.

Two things can be true:

1. Sam Darnold significantly younger, slightly cheaper, and possibly more talented than Geno Smith.

2. But also, Darnold's 2024 season could easily be a mirage:
* Kevin O'Connell one of NFL's premier pass-game schemers
* Had Justin Jefferson, Jordan… https://t.co/01Jlo7YaeA

— Adam Levitan (@adamlevitan) March 10, 2025

That is an insane deal for Darnold. Good for him

— lindsey ok (@lindseyyok) March 10, 2025

Feels like Geno Smith but younger which isn’t a bad thing. Just don’t buy we see anything close to 2024 Darnold in Seattle. https://t.co/o9D2UY7eTk

— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) March 10, 2025

Darnold is a cheaper version of Geno with a bit more flaws

Great contract but we gotta get an OL signing next. We have the picks to get a WR opposite of JSN

This offense isn’t a spread 40 pass attempt system anymore. We just need him to operate it which I think he can do

— ᴅᴏxx ⚡️ (@new_era72) March 10, 2025

Sam Darnold resurrected his career in 2024 with the Vikings, ranking 14th in QBR under Kevin O'Connell's guidance. Over his first six seasons, he was 39th. The Seahawks are making a big bet -- call it a $55M bet -- on OC Klint Kubiak's ability to do what O'Connell did last year.

— Brady Henderson (@BradyHenderson) March 10, 2025

Sam Darnold at $36.8M could end up being a HUGE steal for the Seahawks. We don't know what the upside for him can be. He is only 27 years old, and just had a monster year - 4319 YDS - 35 TDs - 12 INTs https://t.co/jDeqcXtNvv

— Sanjit T. (@Sanjit__T) March 10, 2025

The Minnesota Vikings play Seattle in 2025.

DARNOLD VS JJ MCCARTHY WILL BE CINEMA!!

— 𝙆𝙖𝙨𝙚 (@verysadvikings) March 10, 2025

Sam Darnold to the Seahawks. Probably the best option for Sam. Don’t think it’s a total rebuild for the Seahawks. And not totally convinced they’re definitely drafting a QB to replace him

— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) March 10, 2025

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