Darnold Lands in Seattle on a Three-Year Deal

One of the biggest dominos to fall so far in the NFL offseason is none other than former third-overall pick Sam Darnold. Darnold signed a sizable contract with the Seattle Seahawks following their shocking trade of quarterback Geno Smith.

Darnold's new contract with Seattle includes $37.5 million in fully guaranteed money, covering his 2025 compensation, as reported by Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio. His earnings will then increase to $27.5 million in 2026 and $35.5 million in 2027. Of the $27.5 million set for 2026, $17.5 million is guaranteed for injury at signing and can vest into a full guarantee after Super Bowl LX. Notably, none of his 2027 compensation is guaranteed, allowing the Seahawks to release him immediately after the 2025 season with a total payout of just $37.5 million for one year.

Darnold will need to perform in 2026, as his 2027 salary lacks guarantees, giving the Seahawks another opportunity to part ways after two years. Additionally, his contract includes $5 million per year in incentives, broken down into “individual performance” ($2 million), “postseason performance” ($2.5 million), and “team performance” ($500,000).

NFL teams typically structure their incentives as “Not Likely to Be Earned” (NLTBE), meaning the player did not meet those benchmarks in the previous season. Following an impressive 2024 regular season that culminated in a Pro Bowl selection, Darnold’s incentives will likely hinge on achievements he did not accomplish last year. This could include earning an All-Pro selection, securing a major award, winning the division, or advancing in the playoffs.

The structure of Darnold’s contract allows for multiple potential outcomes in Seattle. If he fails to replicate last season’s success, the Seahawks could move on after just one year. On the other hand, if he thrives in this system, his average annual salary could rise from $33.5 million to $38.5 million, potentially setting him up for another lucrative extension.

In short, despite landing a major contract, Darnold still has plenty to prove in 2025. If his play regresses to the point that Seattle feels the need to part ways, his camp has little leverage given the team-friendly structure of his deal. While Darnold has been rewarded for his standout 2024 season, the Seahawks made sure he will have to earn every dollar they plan to pay him. Now, the only question that remains is whether or not he will do so.