The Seahawks have agreed to a three-year, $100.5 million deal with QB Sam Darnold, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo. That includes $55 million in guarantees.
NFL Network's Tom Pelissero: "Geno Smith turned down a similar deal in Seattle."
This has been the widely expected move since the Seahawks traded QB Geno Smith to the Raiders last week. And that quote from Pelissero helps the move make sense.
Moving from Smith to Darnold doesn't look like an upgrade, and that report from Pelissero indicates the team agrees.
Darnold's younger (28 this June; Smith's 34) but has just one good season among his seven in the pros.
That season came just last year, of course, and might signal a career turnaround.
It should help that new Seattle OC Klint Kubiak worked with Darnold in San Francisco, where he served as passing-game coordinator in 2023 and Darnold the backup QB.
More important for Darnold's immediate fantasy outlook, though: Seattle's suddenly short on receiving talent.
The team released Tyler Lockett after his 2024 decline. Then it traded DK Metcalf rather than pay the 27-year-old.
That leaves Jaxon Smith-Njigba as the clear lead target, coming off a 100-catch breakout. The next three most active returning pass catchers:
No one else caught more than 30 passes.
Seattle needs to add more pass-catching talent to make Darnold an even mildly attractive fantasy option.
Darnold looks fine as a mid-level QB2 for dynasty.
He has age on his side, and Seattle can quickly add receiving talent. Darnold also adds a little rushing, with three seasons of at least 17.7 yards per game.
Just keep in mind that we're still talking about one good starting season to date -- in real or fantasy terms. And that season came with Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison as his top targets.
It's quite possible 2024 remains the best year of Darnold's career.
The WR talent in this 2027 NFL Mock Draft is absurd — and it’s gonna flood rookie drafts before you know it. Learn the names NOW while your league mates sleep.
Read More »
Premium Content
The Patriots supplied one of the NFL's worst offenses in 2024 -- and they knew it. This offseason, an upgraded cast arrived to make Maye a name you NEED to consider in 2025 fantasy drafts.
Read More »
Wanna draft the next big thing? Of course you do! So why wait until next year to start? Get ahead of your competition NOW with these top 100 devy rankings.
Read More »
Search
