• Loading stock data...
Friday, August 22, 2025
The biggest names in sports media. All in one room. Buy tickets now!

Seahawks Win Sam Darnold Sweepstakes With $100M Deal

Sam Darnold resurrected his career with the Vikings last year, and is getting rewarded for his improved play with a big Seahawks contract.

Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

The Sam Darnold sweepstakes ended early Monday afternoon, with the Seahawks agreeing to sign the quarterback to a three-year, $100.5 million contract, according to multiple reports, just over two hours after the NFL’s legal tampering period began at noon ET.

The Steelers were also reported to be interested in Darnold, and returning to Minnesota was not entirely out of the question.

Seattle is giving Darnold $55 million in guaranteed money. His average annual salary will come out to just under $33.5 million. Last season, he led the Vikings to a 14–3 record while playing on a one-year, $10 million deal. Had the Vikings placed the franchise tag on him, Darnold would have made $40.42 million on another one-year contract in Minnesota.

The Seahawks traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Raiders over the weekend for a third-round draft pick. Smith is entering the final season of a three-year, $75 million contract but is believed to be seeking a raise in Las Vegas.

The Vikings let Darnold walk in favor of second-year quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who was selected with the 10th pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. McCarthy missed all of last season with a knee injury, and will have a salary-cap hit of just under $5 million next season.

At the NFL Scouting Combine last month, Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell said the club was evaluating the short- and long-term aspects of their quarterback options, while Minnesota GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah admitted that the franchise’s owners were weighing in on the future of who would be under center, too.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Oct 2, 2024; Rosemont, IL, USA; Big Ten commissioner Tony Petitti speaks with the media during the 2024 Big Ten Women’s Basketball media day at Donald E. Stephens Convention Center.

‘Not Ready to Jump In’: Power 4 Commissioners Aren’t Sold on PE

Top leaders in college sports have yet to see a satisfactory proposal.
Nov 23, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions head coach James Franklin looks at quarterback Drew Allar (15) during the first quarter against the Minnesota Golden Gophers at Huntington Bank Stadium.

Private Equity Enters College Sports—Without the Equity

As college football starts, lending agreements have become PE’s best way in.

SEC Adopts 9-Game Conference Schedule As CFP Changes Loom

The conference matches schedule formats used by the Big Ten and Big 12.
Pat Fitzgerald

Pat Fitzgerald, Northwestern Settle Lawsuit Over Firing

Fitzgerald has insisted he had no knowledge of hazing on the team.

Featured Today

Sep 8, 2024; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants running back Eric Gray (20) returns a kickoff against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half at MetLife Stadium.

‘Fauxbacks’ Throw Back to a Retro Uniform That Never Existed

Many throwback jerseys are brand-new designs or “Franken-Unis.”
August 17, 2025

‘Labubu Gang’: The Creepy-Cute Dolls Sweeping Pro Sports

The creepy-cute doll is the hottest collectible—and fashion statement.
Middle Tennessee wide receiver Cam'ron Lacy (86) catches a pass and carries the ball during the season final home football game against New Mexico State on Saturday, Nov. 23, 2024.
August 15, 2025

How Middle Tennessee State Added $668,000 to Its NIL Budget

The Blue Raiders are creating a new blueprint for cutting costs.
Bridgewater American 12U Little League player Micah Poulter holds a District 7 pin during a send-off rally to the New England regional tournament in Bristol, Connecticut, from Legion Field on Friday, August 2, 2024.
August 14, 2025

Inside the Little League World Series Pin Trade

The rare little collectibles fuel a frenzy in Williamsport each summer.
Samuel Basallo

Orioles Give Catcher Record Extension Amid Adley Rutschman’s Stunning Fall

Samuel Basallo’s reported $67M deal would be a record for pre-arbitration catchers.
August 20, 2025

Tony Hawk Finds His Enduring Fame ‘Baffling’

The skateboarder said it’s “still kind of a shock” to be recognized.
Aug 20, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Dallas Wings guard Paige Bueckers (5) celebrates in the second half as LA Sparks guard Rae Burrell (12) watches at Crypto.com Arena.
August 21, 2025

Paige Bueckers Wowing Crowds, Selling Jerseys Despite Wings Losses

Bueckers is second in youth jersey sales.
Sponsored

Building A Pro League From Scratch

Front Office Sports and Gainbridge® spotlight what it takes to build a professional women’s soccer league.
August 20, 2025

Struggling Kyle Tucker Benched Shortly After $600M Contract Buzz

The Cubs take action with their star outfielder ahead of his free agency.
August 20, 2025

Sophie Cunningham Receives 3rd WNBA Fine for Criticizing Refs

This is Cunningham’s third fine in about a month.
Daniel Jones
August 20, 2025

Vikings Set to Benefit from Colts Making Daniel Jones Starter

Jones never played a snap for Minnesota.
Aug 17, 2025; Uncasville, Connecticut, USA; Connecticut Sun center Tina Charles (31) and Indiana Fever guard Sophie Cunningham (8) work for the ball in the first half at Mohegan Sun Arena.
August 19, 2025

Sophie Cunningham’s Torn MCL Yet Another Fever Setback

The Fever guard is out for the remainder of the season.