Sam Darnold has secured a significant contract with the Seattle Seahawks, finalizing a three-year, $100.5 million deal with $55 million guaranteed.
The 27-year-old quarterback made this free agency decision following an impressive 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, where he demonstrated considerable talent by throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions.
This move comes after the Seahawks traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Raiders earlier this offseason, creating an opportunity for Darnold to step into a starting role. The former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft is now entering his eighth season in the league, having previously played for the New York Jets and Vikings.
Darnold’s girlfriend, Katie Hoofnagle, has gained attention on social media following this major career decision. She has been supportive throughout his NFL journey, frequently sharing encouraging messages on Instagram and accompanying him to events like the NFL Awards in New Orleans.
Career Highlights:
- 2018: Selected 3rd overall in NFL Draft by Jets
- 2024: Career-best season with Vikings (4,319 yards, 35 TDs)
- 2025: Signed $100.5M contract with Seahawks
Hoofnagle has been publicly supportive of Darnold’s career, sharing on Instagram: “I’m proud of you for all that you’ve accomplished, but I’m prouder of the person that you are and continue to be.” She was frequently seen cheering for the Vikings during the 2024 season and will now transition to supporting the Seahawks.
This move represents a significant career milestone for Darnold, who experienced a remarkable resurgence under Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell in 2024. His performance last season was substantially better than previous years, showcasing his development as a professional quarterback and earning him this lucrative contract with Seattle.
A longtime sports reporter, Carlos Garcia has written about some of the biggest and most notable athletic events of the last 5 years. He has been credentialed to cover MLS, NBA and MLB games all over the United States. His work has been published on Fox Sports, Bleacher Report, AOL and the Washington Post.