After a career that has seen its share of ups and downs, quarterback Sam Darnold has landed a significant new deal with the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 offseason. This three-year contract, worth a potential $100.5 million, marks a pivotal moment for the former third overall pick as he looks to solidify his position as a starting quarterback in the NFL. This article will delve into the intricacies of Darnold’s contract with the Seahawks, breaking down the financial terms, the structure of the deal, and addressing the key questions and discussions surrounding it that have emerged on platforms like YouTube and Google.
The Headline Numbers: Value and Guarantees
On March 10th, 2025, the Seattle Seahawks officially announced the signing of Sam Darnold to a three-year contract with a maximum value of $100.5 million. This figure immediately raised eyebrows across the league, especially considering Darnold’s somewhat inconsistent performance throughout his career. However, a closer examination of the contract reveals a more nuanced structure that balances the Seahawks’ investment with flexibility.
The contract includes $55 million in total guaranteed money, with $37.5 million fully guaranteed at signing. This initial guarantee provides Darnold with significant financial security and underscores the Seahawks’ belief in his potential. The remaining guaranteed portion likely vests over the life of the contract, offering further protection for the quarterback.
The average annual value (APY) of the contract is $33.5 million, placing Darnold among the higher-paid quarterbacks in the league. This reflects the premium placed on the quarterback position and the Seahawks’ need to find a capable successor to Geno Smith, who was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Year-by-Year Breakdown of the Contract
To truly understand the implications of Darnold’s contract, a year-by-year breakdown is essential:
2025:
Base Salary: $5.3 million
Signing Bonus: $32 million (prorated over three years for cap purposes)
Workout Bonus: $200,000
Cap Hit: $13.4 million
Cash Payout: $37.5 million (fully guaranteed)
Dead Cap if Released/Traded (Pre-June 1): $37.5 million
Dead Cap if Released/Traded (Post-June 1): $11.9 million (2025), $25.6 million (2026)
In 2025, Darnold’s cap hit is relatively low for a starting quarterback, thanks to the structure that includes a significant signing bonus spread out over the contract’s duration. His cash payout, however, is substantial and fully guaranteed, indicating the Seahawks’ immediate financial commitment. The dead cap figures illustrate that releasing or trading Darnold before June 1st, 2025, would be financially prohibitive. A post-June 1st move would lessen the immediate cap burden but still carry significant dead money into the following season.
2026:
Base Salary: $12.3 million
Signing Bonus Proration: $6.4 million ($32 million / 5 years – includes two void years)
Roster Bonus: $15 million (becomes fully guaranteed if on the roster the fifth day of the 2026 waiver period)
Workout Bonus: $200,000
Cap Hit: $33.9 million
Cash Payout: $27.5 million ($17.5 million guaranteed for injury initially, fully guaranteed if on roster post-Super Bowl LX)
Dead Cap if Released/Traded (Pre-June 1): $25.6 million
Dead Cap if Released/Traded (Post-June 1): $6.4 million (2026), $19.2 million (2027)
The 2026 season sees a significant jump in Darnold’s cap hit due to a higher base salary and the proration of the signing bonus. The $15 million roster bonus, which vests if he remains on the team into the 2026 league year, is a crucial trigger point. If Darnold performs well in 2025 and is on the roster after the specified date in 2026, a substantial portion of his 2026 salary becomes fully guaranteed. This creates a strong incentive for both the player and the team. The dead cap figures show that moving on from Darnold after the 2025 season becomes less painful after June 1st, 2026.
2027:
Base Salary: $25.3 million
Signing Bonus Proration: $6.4 million
Roster Bonus: $10 million (due on the fifth day of the 2027 league year)
Workout Bonus: $200,000
Cap Hit: $41.9 million
Cash Payout: $35.5 million (non-guaranteed)
Dead Cap if Released/Traded (Pre-June 1): $19.2 million
Dead Cap if Released/Traded (Post-June 1): $6.4 million (2027), $12.8 million (2028 – void year)
In 2027, Darnold’s cap hit reaches its peak. His base salary increases significantly, and there is a $10 million roster bonus. However, it’s crucial to note that the $35.5 million cash payout in 2027 is not guaranteed. This provides the Seahawks with a potential out after the 2026 season if Darnold’s performance doesn’t warrant keeping him at this high price point. The dead cap figures illustrate that releasing him after June 1st, 2027, would result in a manageable dead money hit.
Void Years (2028 & 2029):
These years are added to the contract for salary cap purposes, allowing the Seahawks to spread the signing bonus over a longer period, thus reducing the cap hits in the earlier years. They have no actual playing value. The dead cap associated with these years ($12.8 million in 2028, $6.4 million in 2029) would accelerate onto the Seahawks’ cap if Darnold were released before the contract naturally expired (or was voided).
Incentives and Performance Bonuses
Beyond the base structure, Darnold’s contract includes potential for additional earnings through incentives:
Individual Performance Bonuses: Up to $2 million per season based on statistical achievements (specific metrics not publicly disclosed).
Postseason Performance Bonuses: Up to $2.5 million per season based on team success in the playoffs (reaching certain rounds, etc.).
Team Performance Bonuses: Up to $500,000 per season tied to overall team performance (win totals, etc.).
These incentives provide Darnold with opportunities to increase his total compensation if he and the Seahawks achieve certain on-field goals.
Sam Darnold’s Contract History: A Journey to Seattle
To fully appreciate the significance of this contract, it’s helpful to look back at Darnold’s previous deals:
New York Jets (2018-2020): Darnold was drafted third overall by the Jets in 2018 and signed a four-year, $30.2 million rookie contract with $20 million guaranteed. His average annual value was $7.56 million.
Carolina Panthers (2021-2022): Traded to the Panthers, his fifth-year option was exercised, guaranteeing him $18.86 million for the 2022 season. His performance did not warrant a long-term extension.
San Francisco 49ers (2023): Signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal as a backup, providing him with a change of scenery and an opportunity to learn under a respected coaching staff.
Minnesota Vikings (2024): Signed a one-year, $10 million contract, where he had a career resurgence after injuries to the projected starter, showcasing his potential and leading to the Seahawks’ interest.
Darnold’s journey has been marked by high expectations, inconsistency, and a search for the right fit. His contract with the Seahawks represents the most lucrative deal of his career, reflecting his improved performance in Minnesota and the Seahawks’ belief that he can be their franchise quarterback.
FAQs
What are the details of Sam Darnold’s contract with the Seahawks?
Sam Darnold signed a 3-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks on March 13, 2025. The deal includes $55 million in total guarantees, with $37.5 million fully guaranteed at signing .
How much is Darnold earning in 2025?
In 2025, Darnold will earn a base salary of $5.3 million, a signing bonus of $32 million, and a workout bonus of $200,000, totaling a cap hit of $13.4 million for the Seahawks .
Is there an option for the Seahawks to exit the contract early?
Yes. The contract is structured to allow the Seahawks an “escape hatch” after the first year. If Darnold is not on the roster five days after Super Bowl LX in 2026, the team can release him without owing the $17.5 million injury-guaranteed portion of his 2026 salary
What are the salary and cap implications for 2026 and 2027?
2026: Base salary of $27.5 million, with $17.5 million guaranteed for injury that becomes fully guaranteed if Darnold remains on the roster five days after Super Bowl LX. Cap hit: $34.1 million.
2027: Base salary of $35.5 million, non-guaranteed. Cap hit: $42.1 million.
Additionally, the contract includes two void years (2028 and 2029) for cap management purposes .
Why did the Seahawks structure the contract this way?
The Seahawks aimed to balance financial commitment with performance flexibility. By front-loading guarantees and including conditional guarantees in subsequent years, they can evaluate Darnold’s performance annually and make roster decisions accordingly .
How does this contract compare to other NFL quarterback deals?
While the total value places Darnold among the higher-paid quarterbacks, the structure offers the Seahawks flexibility uncommon in top-tier QB contracts. The year-to-year evaluation approach is similar to previous contracts the team had with quarterbacks like Geno Smith .
What led to Darnold’s increased market value?
Darnold’s standout 2024 season with the Vikings, where he threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns, significantly boosted his market value, making him one of the most sought-after quarterbacks in free agency .
Are there any performance incentives in the contract?
While specific performance incentives haven’t been detailed publicly, it’s common for NFL contracts to include bonuses for achievements like Pro Bowl selections, playoff appearances, and statistical milestones. Given the contract’s structure, it’s plausible that such incentives are present.
What happens if Darnold underperforms in 2025?
If Darnold underperforms, the Seahawks can release him after the 2025 season without incurring significant financial penalties, thanks to the contract’s structure that limits guaranteed money beyond the first year .
How does this contract impact the Seahawks’ salary cap?
The 2025 cap hit is relatively modest at $13.4 million, allowing the Seahawks to allocate resources to other positions. However, cap hits increase in subsequent years, emphasizing the importance of Darnold’s performance aligning with the team’s expectations .
To conclude
Sam Darnold’s 2025 contract with the Seattle Seahawks represents a strategic blend of commitment and flexibility. The three-year, $100.5 million deal underscores the team’s belief in Darnold’s potential while safeguarding against long-term financial risk. By structuring the contract with significant guarantees upfront and conditional guarantees in later years, the Seahawks have positioned themselves to evaluate Darnold’s fit within their system on an annual basis.
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