In the offseason, Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract with Seattle to be the Seahawks’ starter after a 2023 season that saw him back up Brock Purdy with the San Francisco 49ers, who reached Super Bowl LVIII. He credits his time in San Francisco with reviving his career and equipping him with the tools to lead a championship run.
Darnold’s 2024 season with Minnesota was a breakout one, posting career-high numbers and guiding the Vikings to a 14-3 record while earning his first Pro Bowl invitation. That performance helped position him for the starting role in Seattle, where he continued to show leadership and consistency.
In his first year with the Seahawks, Darnold threw for 4,048 yards with 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. Seattle’s elite defense carried them to the No. 1 seed in the NFC, and two home playoff wins sealed their path to the Super Bowl title.
Darnold’s career arc—from the Jets’ top pick in 2018 to stints with the Panthers, a return as a 49ers backup, a Pro Bowl year with the Vikings, and now a Super Bowl champion with Seattle—highlights a narrative of resilience and the impact of coaching and opportunity on an NFL quarterback’s trajectory.
