The 2024 season was a breakout year for QB Samdarnold. After a volatile start to his career in New York, Darnold thrived with the Vikings last season.
He started all 17 games in Minnesota and had career-high numbers across the board. However, the Vikings did not re-sign in the long run of Darnold. Instead, he signed a three-year, $100 million contract with Seattle. On Tuesday, Seahawks head coach Mike McDonald was asked if Darnold could not be the first week starter. McDonald called the radio host “crazy” and said the team was committed to Darnold being the starter in 2025.
Sam Darnold starts for the Seahawks in week one
“Sam is our starting quarterback.”#seahawks Director Mike McDonald @BrockHuard & @themikesalk Above @seattlesports.
Complete Video 📺: https://t.co/2nhh3mqenl pic.twitter.com/zswnxmopr7
– Seattle Sports (@seattlesports) June 3, 2025
Ahead of the 2025 season, the Seattle Seahawks made some changes to their roster. They traded QB Geno Smith for the Raiders and WR DK Metcalf for the Steelers. To replace Smith, Seattle signed free agent Sam Darnold into a three-year, $100 million deal. On Tuesday, the Seahawks opened a media OTA session. Sam Darnold reportedly had a “roller coaster” day.
Coach Mike McDonald was then asked if Sam Darnold could not be the first week starter. McDonald said he continued to form himself and respected the radio host for asking questions. However, he called the host “crazy” even if he thought the team had doubts about Darnold. Mike McDonald has strengthened his commitment to Sam Darnold as Seattle’s QB moved forward.
One unstable day in the open OTA session is not enough for Sam Darnold to lose his first job. This is Darnold’s first offseason in many seasons with Seattle and his fourth team. He’s off his career-best year, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. So the Seahawks gave him a pretty good deal this offseason. Seattle’s backup in 2025 is rookie of Drew Rock and Alabama’s Jalen Milllow. If Darnold’s season goes downhill, Seattle can look to one of these backups.
