Sam Darnold

Career StatsB-

Year	Team	GP	Yards	TD	INT	RTG
Career		100	20,431	123	82	86.5
2025		17	4,048	25	14	99.1
2024		17	4,319	35	12	102.5

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Seahawks handed Sam Darnold a reasonable deal that feels like a calculated bet on sustained improvement, earning a B- CVI that reflects solid value for a proven starter. At $33.5M annually, Seattle is paying market rate for a solid starter-tier quarterback who has demonstrated he can manage an NFL offense effectively, though they're not getting the discount you'd typically want when committing nine figures to the position. Darnold's career resurrection story makes this contract particularly intriguing from a risk-reward perspective — he's shown enough growth to justify starter money, but his track record still carries enough uncertainty that this isn't the type of deal that ages gracefully if he regresses. The modest $37.5M guaranteed portion gives Seattle some protection against a complete collapse, while the three-year term allows them to reassess before Darnold hits his early thirties. This feels like the Seahawks acknowledging they have a competent quarterback without overpaying for potential they're not sure exists, essentially buying themselves time to either develop Darnold further or find their next franchise signal-caller.

Performance Analysis

Sam Darnold's B- grade in Seattle is the latest chapter in one of the NFL's great redemption stories. Darnold went from Jets bust to journeyman to legitimately productive starter, proving that quarterback development isn't always linear. His B- grade reflects solid, starter-quality play — he's managing the game well, making good decisions, and showing the arm talent that made him the third overall pick years ago. The move to Seattle has given Darnold a fresh start with a coaching staff that maximizes his strengths. His deep ball and pocket presence have both improved dramatically from his earlier career iterations. Darnold isn't an elite quarterback, but he's become a genuinely competent starter who can lead a playoff team.

Current Sentiment

Sam Darnold's public perception has undergone a complete transformation, earning an A+ sentiment grade as he's evolved from cautionary tale to comeback king with the Seattle Seahawks. The media narrative around Darnold has shifted dramatically from former bust to legitimate franchise quarterback, with his $33.5 million AAV deal reflecting both organizational confidence and market validation of his resurgence. GM John Schneider's public endorsement that he expects Darnold to "play even better" in 2026 signals the front office's unwavering belief in their quarterback's upward trajectory, while contract extension discussions underscore his elevated status as the long-term solution under center. Darnold's story has become the template for quarterback rehabilitation, with analysts consistently pointing to his Seattle tenure as proof that talented signal-callers can reinvent themselves in the right system. The Seahawks' selection for HBO's "Hard Knocks" positions Darnold as a central figure in what media outlets frame as an optimistic organizational outlook, cementing his status as one of the league's most compelling success stories. His journey from early-career struggles to franchise cornerstone represents everything fans and media love about professional sports redemption arcs.