Sam Darnold Set To Start In Week 1
8 months agoWith Minnesota Vikings rookie first-round quarterback J.J. McCarthy (knee) scheduled to under knee surgery, Sam Darnold is now squarely in line to be the team's opening-day starting QB in Week 1 against the New York Giants. Even if McCarthy was fully healthy, Darnold was expected to open as Minnesota's starting signal-caller, but the 27-year-old former first-rounder should have a longer leash now, especially if McCarthy needs a full meniscus repair. Darnold has been handling most of the first-team reps in training camp, and now he'll get even more with McCarthy sidelined. Fantasy managers aren't going to be expecting much from Darnold after he was a bust with the New York Jets, but he could pass as a serviceable low-end QB2 in superflex leagues with the best supporting cast on offense he's ever had in his career.
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
Mike Macdonald, Seahawks Excited About Sam Darnold
3 weeks agoDuring his introductory press conference on Thursday, Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold drew praise from head coach Mike Macdonald. Per Nick Shook of NFL.com, Macdonald was "ecstatic" and gushing with praise over his new QB. "First of all, he's just a tremendous human being, a great leader," said the head coach. "We had a lot of people in our building that have the history with Sam...So, I'm really excited to get our relationship started." The history Macdonald refers to regards new offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who has ties with Darnold from their time spent together in San Francisco in 2023. "Obviously, you know, working with Klint...I'm very familiar with the scheme," Darnold told reporters. The 27-year-old's familiarity with the offensive system -- a riff on the one he ran in Minnesota -- is what made him so attractive to the team. Despite a late-season meltdown, the USC product was superb in 2024. However, his new team does not sport the same arsenal of weaponry that he deployed with the Vikings. Wide receiver is a glaring need for Seattle, and they'll need to address that position so that Darnold can reach the heights he did a season ago.
Source: Nick Shook
Source: Nick Shook
Seahawks Sign Sam Darnold To Three-Year Contract
3 weeks agoThe Seattle Seahawks have signed quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $110.5 million contract. This deal includes $55 million guaranteed. Just days after trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, the Seahawks will now turn to Darnold to lead their franchise. After never reaching his full potential after being selected with the third overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold finally found his footing last season in Minnesota. He led the Vikings to an impressive 14-3 record. He threw for 4,319 yards and added 35 passing scores, which were both the fifth-most in the league. Darnold flourished under head coach Kevin O'Connell and threw at least three passing scores in six contests. Darnold will now join Seattle, which finished just short of a playoff bid as they held a 10-7 record. The Seahawks recently parted ways with wide receiver DK Metcalf, which leaves Jaxon Smith-Njigba as Darnold's lone proven wideout. Darnold should be viewed as a solid QB2 in all formats but could enter the low-end QB1 range if Seattle improves their wide receiver room.
Source: Adam Schefter
Source: Adam Schefter
Steelers Looking Into Sam Darnold
3 weeks agoDianna Russini of The Athletic reports that the Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to make an offer to free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold. Per Russini, many around the league believe that the 27-year-old will wind up landing in Seattle with the Seahawks. However, the Steelers are exhausting every option in search of their next field general. Darnold is coming off his best season as a pro -- setting career highs across the board en route to a 14-3 record with Minnesota. While some may be left with a bad taste in their mouth due to his meltdown at the end of the regular season that continued into the playoffs, the former USC Trojan was mainly stellar in 2024 and finished as a top-ten fantasy quarterback. Whether he can repeat his success outside Minnesota remains to be seen, but he's undoubtedly drawing strong interest around the league.
Source: Dianna Russini
Source: Dianna Russini
Sam Darnold Now An Obvious Target For Seattle
3 weeks agoThe Seattle Times' Bob Condotta writes that Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold is now an obvious target for the Seattle Seahawks in free agency this offseason after they traded Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders on Friday. Darnold won't be the only QB that the Seahawks explore, but Condotta also says that they will not consider a reunion with Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent QB Russell Wilson. The Seahawks can begin discussing a potential deal with Darnold and his representatives as early as Monday, when the legal tampering period opens. The Vikings had been interested in re-signing Darnold after his career year in 2024, but now he's expected to go elsewhere. Although the former first-rounder looked terrible in the final two games of the year, he threw for 4,319 yards, 35 TDs and 12 interceptions in 17 regular-season games. A repeat of that performance is probably unlikely, especially if he's not back in Minnesota.
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
Source: The Seattle Times - Bob Condotta
Read More News