Overview

• The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract after his career-best 4,319-yard, 35-touchdown season, passing over Aaron Rodgers in free agency.
• Raiders minority owner Tom Brady reportedly opposed signing Darnold and influenced the franchise to trade for Geno Smith, who received a two-year, $85.5 million extension with $66.5 million guaranteed.
• Las Vegas structured Smith’s deal for flexibility, giving the team an option to move on after two seasons if his performance wanes.
• Darnold’s appeal in Seattle was driven by his developmental leap under Kyle Shanahan and Kevin O’Connell, positioning him as a long-term building block.
• Aaron Rodgers has joined the Pittsburgh Steelers and will operate within coordinator Arthur Smith’s offense rather than calling his own plays.