QB MIN
College: USC | 7 years
Height: 6'3" | Weight: 218 lbs
Birth Date: 1997-06-05
2025 Bye Week: 8
Total Pts: 367.55
Avg Pts: 21.62
Rank: 7 QB
Free Agent
Darnold had a breakout season, getting a chance to start in the Vikings high-powered offense. He finally lived up to his potential, finishing seventh overall in fantasy quarterback scoring. Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and scored 36 total touchdowns while throwing just 12 interceptions. He had career best numbers across the board. Darnold had 11 of 17 games with 20-plus fantasy points. The only issue for Darnold was playing poorly his last two games, including the Vikings playoff game. This was concerning, failing to show up big in the big game, putting the rest of his season into a bit of question. He signed with the Seahawks this offseason and will take over as their starter. He moves to an offense that doesn't have quite the same firepower as the Vikings, but does have some weapons to work with. Darnold has a great arm, can make plays down the field, and also moves around the pocket pretty well. He will turn the ball over, though, especially when pressured and can have some accuracy issues.
FANTASY OUTLOOK: Darnold finally took a huge step forward last year, showing his potential. It might be a bit surprising to see him post similar numbers to last year, especially with a move to Seattle, but he can be a good spot starter for fantasy teams. He can get around 4,000 yards, 30 total scores and 10 interceptions.
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is coming off a career year. After being left for dead, the former third-overall pick threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns with 12 interceptions in 2024. Under the tutelage of Kevin O'Connell, he ranked fifth in passing yards and passing touchdowns as a legitimate MVP candidate most of the season. The only reason the former Viking did not receive a top-notch multi-year contract from Minnesota is his collapse in the final two contests he played. He completed 43.9% of his passes for 166 yards and zero touchdowns in a 31-9 blowout loss in Week 18 to the Lions, which he followed up with a 27-9 playoff letdown against the Rams where he completed 62.5% of his passes for 245 and one touchdown, but had two turnovers. These two performances left a sour taste in the mouth of Minnesota, resulting in his departure before signing with the Seahawks. The new environment features a downgrade in play calling, a worse offensive line, and fewer receiving options. Darnold isn't an expensive option, typically going well into the double-digit rounds. However, other signal callers such as Bryce Young, Justin Fields, and J.J. McCarthy probably have a higher ceiling and can be drafted after him.
Fantasy Week | Pts | Scoring |
---|---|---|
Week 1 | 17.70 | Sam Darnold 3 rushing yds (0.30 pts) Sam Darnold 208 passing yds (10.40 pts) Sam Darnold 2 passing TDs (8.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 3 yd TD pass to Justin Jefferson . . . Sam Darnold 21 yd TD pass to Jalen Nailor Sam Darnold 1 interception thrown (-1.00 pts) |
Week 2 | 23.60 | Sam Darnold 32 rushing yds (3.20 pts) Sam Darnold 268 passing yds (13.40 pts) Sam Darnold 2 passing TDs (8.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 97 yd TD pass to Justin Jefferson . . . Sam Darnold 10 yd TD pass to Jalen Nailor Sam Darnold 1 interception thrown (-1.00 pts) |
Week 3 | 25.05 | Sam Darnold 181 passing yds (9.05 pts) Sam Darnold 4 passing TDs (16.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 6 yd TD pass to Justin Jefferson . . . Sam Darnold 8 yd TD pass to Aaron Jones . . . Sam Darnold 4 yd TD pass to Jalen Nailor . . . Sam Darnold 2 yd TD pass to Johnny Mundt |
Week 4 | 25.25 | Sam Darnold 15 rushing yds (1.50 pts) Sam Darnold 1 fumble lost (-1.00 pts) Sam Darnold 275 passing yds (13.75 pts) Sam Darnold 3 passing TDs (12.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 29 yd TD pass to Jordan Addison . . . Sam Darnold 2 yd TD pass to Josh Oliver . . . Sam Darnold 14 yd TD pass to Justin Jefferson Sam Darnold 1 interception thrown (-1.00 pts) |
Week 5 | 8.05 | Sam Darnold 11 rushing yds (1.10 pts) Sam Darnold 1 fumble lost (-1.00 pts) Sam Darnold 179 passing yds (8.95 pts) Sam Darnold 1 interception thrown (-1.00 pts) |
Week 6 | 0.00 | |
Week 7 | 19.85 | Sam Darnold 39 rushing yds (3.90 pts) Sam Darnold 259 passing yds (12.95 pts) Sam Darnold 1 passing TD (4.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 25 yd TD pass to Justin Jefferson Sam Darnold 1 interception thrown (-1.00 pts) |
Week 8 | 20.60 | Sam Darnold 6 rushing yds (0.60 pts) Sam Darnold 240 passing yds (12.00 pts) Sam Darnold 2 passing TDs (8.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 5 yd TD pass to Josh Oliver . . . Sam Darnold 10 yd TD pass to Trent Sherfield Sr. |
Week 9 | 24.90 | Sam Darnold 14 rushing yds (1.40 pts) Sam Darnold 1 fumble lost (-1.00 pts) Sam Darnold 290 passing yds (14.50 pts) Sam Darnold 3 passing TDs (12.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 4 yd TD pass to Jordan Addison . . . Sam Darnold 7 yd TD pass to Jalen Nailor . . . Sam Darnold 14 yd TD pass to Josh Oliver Sam Darnold 2 interceptions thrown (-2.00 pts) |
Week 10 | 11.85 | Sam Darnold 28 rushing yds (2.80 pts) Sam Darnold 241 passing yds (12.05 pts) Sam Darnold 3 interceptions thrown (-3.00 pts) |
Week 11 | 27.10 | Sam Darnold 18 rushing yds (1.80 pts) Sam Darnold 1 rushing TD (6.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 1 yd TD rush Sam Darnold 1 fumble lost (-1.00 pts) Sam Darnold 246 passing yds (12.30 pts) Sam Darnold 2 passing TDs (8.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 47 yd TD pass to Jordan Addison . . . Sam Darnold 3 yd TD pass to Cam Akers |
Week 12 | 24.50 | Sam Darnold 330 passing yds (16.50 pts) Sam Darnold 2 passing TDs (8.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 2 yd TD pass to Jordan Addison . . . Sam Darnold 5 yd TD pass to Jalen Nailor |
Week 13 | 21.95 | Sam Darnold 22 rushing yds (2.20 pts) Sam Darnold 235 passing yds (11.75 pts) Sam Darnold 2 passing TDs (8.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 4 yd TD pass to Johnny Mundt . . . Sam Darnold 5 yd TD pass to Aaron Jones Sr. |
Week 14 | 38.05 | Sam Darnold 7 rushing yds (0.70 pts) Sam Darnold 347 passing yds (17.35 pts) Sam Darnold 5 passing TDs (20.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 49 yd TD pass to Jordan Addison . . . Sam Darnold 12 yd TD pass to Justin Jefferson . . . Sam Darnold 52 yd TD pass to Justin Jefferson . . . Sam Darnold 11 yd TD pass to Jordan Addison . . . Sam Darnold 6 yd TD pass to Jordan Addison |
Week 15 | 14.55 | Sam Darnold 231 passing yds (11.55 pts) Sam Darnold 1 passing TD (4.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 7 yd TD pass to Justin Jefferson Sam Darnold 1 interception thrown (-1.00 pts) |
Week 16 | 25.40 | Sam Darnold 11 rushing yds (1.10 pts) Sam Darnold 246 passing yds (12.30 pts) Sam Darnold 3 passing TDs (12.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 5 yd TD pass to Jordan Addison . . . Sam Darnold 14 yd TD pass to Justin Jefferson . . . Sam Darnold 39 yd TD pass to Justin Jefferson |
Week 17 | 29.85 | Sam Darnold 377 passing yds (18.85 pts) Sam Darnold 3 passing TDs (12.00 pts) . . . Sam Darnold 31 yd TD pass to Jalen Nailor . . . Sam Darnold 18 yd TD pass to Jordan Addison . . . Sam Darnold 9 yd TD pass to Cam Akers Sam Darnold 1 interception thrown (-1.00 pts) |
le Seahawks 2025 Team Preview and Fantasy Football Outlook Ian Hartitz dives in on the team preview and fantasy football outlook for the Seattle Seahawks, including if Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba can repeat. [Read More]
From FantasyLife
Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold said that he has learned a lot from offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak this offseason, even though many concepts are similar to the ones used when both of them were with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, where Kubiak had served as the passing game coordinator. Although the two offenses are not identical, having the opportunity to work with him again was one of the factors that led to Darnold signing with Seattle as a free agent.
Fantasy Spin: The 28-year-old Darnold is coming off the best year of his career but should be viewed as a high-end QB2 option for most 2025 fantasy leagues, despite his familiarity with Kubiak's offense. Remember, two of the Seahawks' top three receiving options from last season (DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett) are no longer on the roster.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold had a career year in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings, completing 66.2% of his passes for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 17 regular-season games to lead Minnesota to a 14-3 record. However, the former third overall pick in 2018 finished on a sour note in his final two games and knows he must prove himself again in 2025 with a new team. Darnold has familiarity with new Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak from their one year together in San Fran in 2023, but the move from Minnesota to Seattle is definitely a downgrade in terms of overall offense and the weapons he'll have in Seattle. The 28-year-old was excellent throwing downfield in 2024, but it helped to have one of the best receivers in the league in Justin Jefferson. Fantasy managers shouldn't be expecting a repeat of 2024, when Darnold finished as the QB9.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said on Tuesday that there's no question that Sam Darnold is "our starting quarterback" when asked if there was any scenario, outside of injury, in which Darnold isn't the starter. "This is a crazy question," Macdonald also said. Most of the speculation about Darnold comes after Seattle took Jalen Milroe in the third round of April's NFL draft. Milroe, a dual-threat QB, is expected to have a package of plays as another offensive weapon for Seattle, but Darnold will be the unquestioned starter under center after a career year in 2024 with the Minnesota Vikings in which he threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 17 regular-season games while leading the team to a 14-3 record. It was a great season, but the move to Seattle is a downgrade for Darnold's fantasy value behind a shaky offensive line and with a downgrade in aerial weapons.
From RotoBaller
The Seattle Seahawks exercised offensive tackle Charles Cross' fifth-year option for the 2026 season, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. Cross, the ninth overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft out of Mississippi State, is now under contract with Seattle for the next two seasons. The 24-year-old is expected to open his fourth season in the NFL in 2025 as the Seahawks' starting left tackle while protecting new quarterback Sam Darnold's blind side. In his first three years in the NFL, Cross has started all 48 games that he's appeared in and has missed only three games. He will remain a fixture on Seattle's offensive line for at least another two seasons and possibly more.
From RotoBaller
Seattle Seahawks third-round draft choice QB Jalen Milroe is expected to see 'a small handful of plays a game,' according to ESPN.com's Brady Henderson. Head coach Mike Macdonald made it clear that Sam Darnold will likely take over 90% of the snaps in regular-season games this season if things go according to plan. However Jalen ... earns the right to go out there, then we'll do that, if it's going to help the team, if it's best for us to move the ball and give these defensive coordinators some headaches. I'm really happy it's not going to be us,' Macdonald said.
Fantasy Spin: If Darnold is able to recreate the magic from last season, he will have very little to worry about in terms of job security. With that said, it is obvious that Macdonald would love nothing more than for Milroe to develop into being 75-80% of the player he used to watch every day in practice while he was with the Baltimore Ravens, Lamar Jackson. Milroe may do next to nothing in fantasy this year if Darnold plays well, but his athleticism will give him a chance to be a fantasy QB1 if he is ever called upon to start.
From TheHuddle
Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold will take over 90 percent of the offensive snaps in 2025, according to head coach Mike Macdonald. The Seahawks took former Alabama QB Jalen Milroe in the third round of this year's NFL draft, but not to immediately push Darnold for the starting job. But even if Milroe doesn't overtake Drew Lock for the backup gig, the speedy Milroe should see the field early on in packages designed to take advantage of his elite ground game. There was pre-draft speculation that Milroe could be used in a similar way to Saints utility man Taysom Hill, who Seattle offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak coached last year. Macdonald made it clear that Milroe will only play QB. Darnold earned the right to be Seattle's starter in 2025 after a career year in Minnesota, but it will be difficult to live up to his 2024 numbers with a group of wideouts that aren't nearly as gifted as what Darnold was working with in Minnesota.
From RotoBaller
Dynasty | The Seattle Seahawks drafted Alabama quarterback Jalen Milroe in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Dynasty Analysis: It's an intriguing landing spot to say the least. He'll have little chance to challenge the incumbent (and highly paid) Sam Darnold for meaningful snaps next season, but Darnold also has an out in his contract that could make his time in Seattle short. The Seahawks will likely take a year to see if Milroe really does have the ability to refine his passing. If he can, he can be the next Jalen Hurts. If he can't, he's going to have a short career. He'll be a fun late round pick in rookie drafts because of his rushing ability alone.
The Seahawks opted to fortify their front line with the addition of offensive guard Grey Zabel from North Dakota State at the No. 18 spot in the 2025 NFL Draft. Zabel becomes the highest drafted offensive lineman in FCS history. The 23-year-old Zabel is extremely versatile, with the potential to play all five positions on the offensive line. He will likely settle in the interior and provide excellent protection for new Seahawks' QB Sam Darnold this season. Zabel was widely considered one of the safest picks on the board with a high floor due to his versatility.
From RotoBaller
Both ESPN's Brady Henderson and Matt Miller believe that upgrading their offensive line will be a heavy emphasis for the Seattle Seahawks in the 2025 NFL draft. Specifically, Henderson thinks Seattle needs to find at least one difference-maker on the interior of the offensive line, although general manager John Schneider believes it will be hard to upgrade at center. In addition to offensive line, a speedy receiver, a safety and a nose tackle could be targets for the Seahawks in a few weeks. They have five picks in the top 100 this year, so they have the draft capital to aid in their current roster makeover. Miller mentions University of Arizona wide receiver Teairoa McMillan as a pass-catcher that they could look to target with the No. 18 overall pick in this first round after releasing Tyler Lockett and trading DK Metcalf this offseason.
Updating a previous report, Seattle Seahawks QB Sam Darnold's three-year contract can be voided after the 2025 season with only $37.5 million in guarantees, according to a source.
From TheHuddle
The Seattle Seahawks recently signed free-agent quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal. According to Mike Florio, the Seahawks are Darnold are able to part ways after the 2025 season, assuming they want to. Darnold will receive $37.5 million, fully guaranteed for the upcoming season. After that, Darnold's salary will move to $27.5 million, but the Seahawks can opt-out after Super Bowl LX. This allows the Seahawks to escape the deal after one season. The organization is hopeful that Darnold can be an upgrade over Geno Smith, who they traded to the Las Vegas Raiders earlier this offseason. The Seahawks have made some major changes this offseason, including cutting Tyler Lockett, trading DK Metcalf, and signing wide receiver Cooper Kupp. We'll see what happens this upcoming season, but it appears the Seahawks can opt out of the deal if this experiment doesn't go well.
From RotoBaller
During 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.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent QB Sam Darnold (Vikings) officially signed a three-year contract worth a reported $100.5 million with the Seattle Seahawks on Thursday, March 13.
From TheHuddle
Dynasty | The Seahawks have signed quarterback Sam Darnold. Dynasty Analysis: The deal is for three years and over $100 million with $55 million guaranteed. It's a big deal for a quarterback with one year of elite-level performance, but Seattle clearly believes he's turned the corner. It's fair to wonder just what he'll be able to post stats-wise with DK Metcalf in Pittsburgh and Tyler Lockett now a free agent. At least he'll have Jaxon Smith-Njigba to throw to. Darnold looks more like a QB2 than QB1, but let's see what the roster looks like in a month or two as Seattle still has money to burn.
The 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.
From RotoBaller
Free-agent QB Sam Darnold (Vikings) agreed to a three-year deal worth $110.5 million, according to sources Monday, March 10. The deal includes $55 million guaranteed.
Fantasy Spin: Darnold is coming off the best season of his career and will be the replacement for Geno Smith. The departure of DK Metcalf means one less wide receiver to work with, but this should provide a stable floor for Jaxon Smith-Njigba. As for Darnold's fantasy prospects, it will be difficult to follow up his QB8 finish in Seattle. He's best viewed as a QB2 option moving forward.
From TheHuddle
Dynasty | The Seahawks are reportedly targeting Sam Darnold to replace Geno Smith. Dynasty Analysis: The Seahawks got a third round pick from Las Vegas in exchange for Smith and are now apparently looking ahead to the future. Darnold could be a relatively cheap option on a three-year deal as he clearly proved he's capable of running an NFL offense last season. Still, this could be a pretty big risk as he's only really had one good season in his NFL career. Regardless, Darnold is going to be an NFL starter next season in Seattle or elsewhere and has the ceiling of a QB1. Stay tuned as his future is in clear flux.
Dianna 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.
From RotoBaller
Minnesota Vikings impending free-agent QB Sam Darnold is expected to receive interest from the Pittsburgh Steelers when free agency starts, according to sources.
Fantasy Spin: Darnold likely will receive interest from multiple teams, so it is not surprising that the Steelers will pursue him since they need a starting quarterback. He played very well last season but would be a No. 2 fantasy quarterback if he joins Pittsburgh.
From TheHuddle
NFL Week | Opp | Pts | Pass Com | Pass Att | Pass Yds | Pass TDs | 300 Yds | Rush Yds | Rush TDs | Fum Lost | Int |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2024 Season | 367.55 | 361 | 4319 | 35 | |||||||
Week 1 | @NYG | 17.70 | 19 | 208 | 2 | ||||||
Week 2 | SF | 23.60 | 17 | 268 | 2 | ||||||
Week 3 | HOU | 25.05 | 17 | 181 | 4 | ||||||
Week 4 | @GB | 25.25 | 20 | 275 | 3 | ||||||
Week 5 | NYJ | 8.05 | 14 | 179 | 0 | ||||||
Week 6 | bye | 0.00 | 0 | 0 | 0 | ||||||
Week 7 | DET | 19.85 | 22 | 259 | 1 | ||||||
Week 8 | @LAR | 20.60 | 18 | 240 | 2 | ||||||
Week 9 | IND | 24.90 | 28 | 290 | 3 | ||||||
Week 10 | @JAX | 11.85 | 24 | 241 | 0 | ||||||
Week 11 | @TEN | 27.10 | 20 | 246 | 2 | ||||||
Week 12 | @CHI | 24.50 | 22 | 330 | 2 | ||||||
Week 13 | ARI | 21.95 | 21 | 235 | 2 | ||||||
Week 14 | ATL | 38.05 | 22 | 347 | 5 | ||||||
Week 15 | CHI | 14.55 | 24 | 231 | 1 | ||||||
Week 16 | @SEA | 25.40 | 22 | 246 | 3 | ||||||
Week 17 | GB | 29.85 | 33 | 377 | 3 | ||||||
Week 18 | @DET | 9.30 | 18 | 166 | 0 | ||||||
Wildcard | @LAR | 16.15 | 25 | 245 | 1 |