Shutterstock
Sam Darnold shocked the NFL world when he bolted from the Minnesota Vikings to join the Seattle Seahawks this offseason. The former Jets castoff signed a three-year deal worth $100.5 million — with Seattle smartly including an opt-out after 2026.
Geno Smith staying put in Seattle opened a perfect landing spot for Darnold. He’ll now work with new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak and throw to a talented receiving corps featuring Cooper Kupp, Jaxon Smith-Njigba, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
What a difference a year makes. Darnold transformed from backup-quality quarterback to Pro Bowl performer with the Vikings last season, vaulting himself to the top of the free agent market. The credit doesn’t belong just to him — Kevin O’Connell’s creative play-calling and Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s roster building all contributed to Darnold’s career resurrection.
But here’s the million-dollar question.
Seattle’s offense, while promising, isn’t Minnesota’s high-powered attack from 2024. Darnold won’t have Justin Jefferson (arguably the NFL’s best receiver) to bail him out, and Aaron Jones won’t be there to establish the ground game. This season will truly test whether Darnold’s success was a product of his surroundings or if he’s genuinely developed into a top-tier NFL quarterback.
The Seahawks are hedging their bets. While they’ve committed significant money to Darnold, GM John Schneider is already exploring future options at quarterback with the 2025 NFL Draft approaching.
Seahawks Eyeing Alabama’s Jalen Milroe Before Draft
According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Seattle plans to host Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe for a pre-draft visit. This meeting comes just months after committing to Darnold as their starter.
Some potential NFC West QB intrigue: Alabama QB Jalen Milroe is in Seattle today to visit with the Seahawks and will meet later this week with the Rams, per sources. pic.twitter.com/K417MypKF7
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 15, 2025
Draft experts widely project Milroe as a second-rounder — typically ranking him fourth among QBs behind Miami’s Cam Ward, Colorado‘s Shedeur Sanders, and Ole Miss’s Jaxson Dart. The Crimson Tide star threw for 2,844 yards with 16 touchdowns and 11 interceptions last season. His rushing ability jumps off the screen — Milroe added 168 ground yards and an impressive 20 rushing touchdowns.
Though not a carbon copy of Darnold, Milroe shares some intriguing traits. He possesses elite arm talent and game-breaking athleticism that allows him to hit deep shots or escape pressure with explosive scrambles. The red flags? Decision-making under pressure and turnovers have plagued him — issues that Darnold struggled with early in his career.
Seattle might be the perfect development spot for a talent like Milroe. The NFL continues trending toward athletic quarterbacks who can stress defenses with their legs. Milroe escapes pressure effortlessly and throws accurately on the move — sometimes from awkward platforms. If he can clean up the turnovers (a big if), his raw talent could translate to Pro Bowl upside.
With Darnold’s deal essentially a two-year commitment, the Seahawks appear to be planning ahead. Though still only 27, Darnold faces enormous pressure to prove that his Vikings success wasn’t just a product of an ideal environment. Minnesota’s system minimized his weaknesses — Seattle will demand more.
Kubiak’s play-calling and Kupp’s reliability will help, but the Seahawks will need Darnold to drive their offensive success in ways the Vikings didn’t. He’ll be the engine, not just a component. And with a talented rookie potentially waiting in the wings, the pressure to perform immediately will be intense.
