Former Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is facing a major career challenge after joining the Seattle Seahawks. According to a Vikings Wire article dated May 12, 2025, Darnold may have just one year to prove his worth to his new team, amid the pressure of a short-term contract and competition from a young talent.
Sam Darnold’s Turbulent Journey
Sam Darnold, the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has had a rollercoaster career. Before landing with the Vikings, he played for the New York Jets, Carolina Panthers, and San Francisco 49ers. The 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings marked a turning point, as Darnold posted career-high numbers across all statistical categories. Under a one-year, $10 million contract, he showcased his potential under the guidance of head coach Kevin O’Connell.
However, after a successful season, Darnold opted to leave the Vikings to sign with the Seattle Seahawks, a team seeking stability at the quarterback position following their parting with Geno Smith. This move not only opens a new chapter in Darnold’s career but also places him in a high-stakes situation.
Pressure from a One-Year Deal and Fierce Competition
According to analysis by Brad Gagnon of Bleacher Report, Darnold’s contract with the Seahawks is structured to give the team flexibility, with no long-term commitment beyond the 2025 season. This essentially makes it a one-year audition for Darnold to prove he’s the team’s long-term answer at quarterback. Gagnon noted, “Sam Darnold’s contract doesn’t put Seattle at risk after 2025, so this can be seen as a year-long experiment. Based on what happened late last season, the odds of him failing are quite high.”
Adding to the pressure, the Seahawks surprised many by selecting Jalen Milroe, a quarterback from Alabama, in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. While considered a “long-term project” who needs time to develop, Milroe brings versatility and playmaking ability with his mobility and knack for escaping pressure in the pocket. In contrast, Darnold has shown vulnerability under pressure, particularly when playing behind an unstable offensive line like Seattle’s. If Darnold underperforms, the Seahawks could quickly pivot to Milroe, who is expected to inject new energy into the offense.
Opportunities and Challenges Ahead
Despite the intense pressure, Darnold isn’t without opportunities to shine. Reuniting with Klint Kubiak, the Seahawks’ offensive coordinator who previously worked with him at the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, could be a significant advantage. Kubiak understands Darnold’s playing style and may tailor an offensive system to maximize his strengths.
However, Darnold’s biggest challenge lies in maintaining consistency. The 2024 season showed he can thrive in an ideal environment, but his performance dipped toward the end, raising doubts among some teams about his ability to sustain peak form. Additionally, with an offensive line considered a weak point for the Seahawks, Darnold will need to overcome his technical limitations to prove his value.
Conclusion
Sam Darnold stands at a critical crossroads in his career. With just one year to convince the Seattle Seahawks that he’s their quarterback of the future, the stakes couldn’t be higher. Can he seize this opportunity to solidify his place in the NFL, or will Jalen Milroe soon steal the spotlight? The answer will unfold in the 2025 season, and fans of both the Vikings and Seahawks will undoubtedly be watching his every move closely.