Seahawks Sign Sam Darnold to Contract with Key One-Year Exit Clause

Seattle's three-year, $100.5 million deal with Darnold includes a structure allowing the team to move on after 2025 with minimal financial risk.

Sam Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, with $37.5 million fully guaranteed for 2025.
The contract allows the Seahawks to release Darnold after the 2025 season without incurring dead money, provided he is healthy.
Darnold's standout 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings included 4,319 passing yards, 35 touchdowns, and a 14-3 record, but ended poorly with a Wild Card loss and heavy criticism.
Seattle traded Geno Smith to the Raiders and restructured its roster, including acquiring wide receiver Cooper Kupp and cornerback Shemar Jean-Charles.
The Seahawks' contract strategy mirrors previous deals, such as Russell Wilson's, emphasizing flexibility and minimal long-term risk while Darnold seeks to prove his 2024 success was not a fluke.