Darnold vs. Smith: NFL Insider Debunks Elite QB Claims
- The Seattle Seahawks' acquisition of Sam Darnold, signing him to a three-year, $100.5 million contract, has raised eyebrows around the league.
- Despite Darnold's impressive performance with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, where he threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, one anonymous NFL personnel director isn't convinced he's an...
- Darnold's 2024 season saw him lead the Vikings to a 14-3 record, though they where defeated by the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
The Seattle Seahawks’ investment in Sam Darnold is under scrutiny,as an NFL insider casts doubt on his elite quarterback status despite a strong 2024 season. This analysis examines the hefty three-year, $100.5 million contract and explores why some question the move, despite Darnold’s impressive stats with the Vikings. Furthermore, Bleacher Report calls Darnold’s move the riskiest of the offseason, adding to the pressure. Here at News Directory 3, we deliver the critical insights you need. Will Darnold live up to the expectations? Discover what’s next by reading our full report.
Sam Darnold’s Seahawks Move deemed Riskiest Offseason Decision
Updated June 17, 2025
The Seattle Seahawks’ acquisition of Sam Darnold, signing him to a three-year, $100.5 million contract, has raised eyebrows around the league. darnold is slated to take over from Geno Smith, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Despite Darnold’s impressive performance with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, where he threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, one anonymous NFL personnel director isn’t convinced he’s an elite quarterback.
”Darnold and Geno to me are very similar, solidified starters but not in the top end,” the NFL personnel director told ESPN.”Geno has more of a track record as a passer, but Darnold threw 35 touchdowns last year, so if he can play close to how he did last year, that’s a great situation and opportunity for him.”
Darnold’s 2024 season saw him lead the Vikings to a 14-3 record, though they where defeated by the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round of the playoffs.
Sam Darnold named ‘riskiest move’ in the offseason by Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox
Adding to the skepticism, Bleacher Report’s kristopher Knox has labeled Darnold’s move to Seattle as the riskiest of the offseason, even more so than Aaron Rodgers’ switch to the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“The Seattle Seahawks’ gamble is a risk on another level entirely,” Knox wrote. “like the Rodgers signing, it has the potential to blow up in Seattle’s face and cost jobs. However, it’s a risk Seattle didn’t necessarily have to take. While the financial investment isn’t egregious for a starting quarterback, it’s a lot for a seven-year veteran with exactly one good season on his resume.”
Darnold entered the NFL in 2018 as the No. 3 overall pick by the New York Jets. After three seasons with the Jets and two with the Carolina Panthers, he spent 2024 with the vikings, earning his first Pro Bowl selection.
What’s next
The spotlight will be firmly on Darnold as he embarks on his first season with the Seahawks, aiming to prove his worth and silence the doubters.