Once written off as a bust, Darnold’s path has included a breakout with the Minnesota Vikings before his continued excellence with the Seattle Seahawks. After a wildly productive year, he signed with Seattle, signaling a fresh chapter rather than a fading finish.
In 2024, Darnold produced a career year with the Vikings, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns against 12 interceptions. That breakthrough prompted a move to the Seahawks, where he was tasked with building on the momentum and leading Seattle to the NFC’s top seed.
The 2025 season with Seattle saw Darnold pile up 4,048 passing yards and 25 touchdowns with a 67.7 percent completion rate, playing a pivotal role in the Seahawks’ ascent to the top of the conference and a deep playoff push.
In the postseason, Darnold delivered when it mattered, guiding Seattle past San Francisco in the NFC showdown and delivering a standout performance against the Rams with 346 passing yards and three touchdowns to secure the win and a trip to Super Bowl LX.
Darnold’s journey raises questions about legacy versus trajectory, but the numbers and the team’s success speak for themselves. While not equating him to Tom Brady’s career, Darnold’s consecutive 14-win seasons and playoff command mark a historic turnaround that has redefined his place in the league and set the stage for a potential Super Bowl-era landmark in LX.
