How Sam Darnold came to Seahawks after stints with Jets, Panthers, 49ers, Vikings

Jacob Camenker, USA TODAY Sun, 8 February 2026 at 12:01 pm UTC·9 min read After three seasons with Geno Smith as the team's top quarterback, the Seattle Seahawks made a critical change during the 2025 NFL offseason. Seattle traded Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round draft pick. To replace him, the Seahawks signed another journeyman, inking a three-year deal with Sam Darnold to be the team's next quarterback.Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Few knew exactly what to make of Darnold signing with the Seahawks. He was coming off the best season of his career with the Minnesota Vikings, but many wondered whether he would be a one-year wonder after struggling late in the...