Former USC QB Sam Darnold makes most of second chance, and sets new contract standard for past and current Trojan stars
Former USC quarterback Sam Darnold found a new home on Monday when he signed a three-year, $110.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Included in that deal, Darnold will earn $55 million. Once viewed as a massive bust while a member of the New York Jets, the talented passer was able to make the best […]
Former USC quarterback Sam Darnold found a new home on Monday when he signed a three-year, $110.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Included in that deal, Darnold will earn $55 million. Once viewed as a massive bust while a member of the New York Jets, the talented passer was able to make the best of his most recent opportunity with the Minnesota Vikings.
During his one season with Minnesota, Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns. Darnold had never had a single season where he threw for 3,024 yards and 19 touchdowns in a season. He flourished under Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell.
Once upon a time, Darnold was the third overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft by the Jets. That came after two tremendous years with the USC Trojans. During that stretch, Darnold threw for 7,229 yards and 57 touchdowns. He also added another seven touchdowns on the ground.
After Darnold flamed out with the Carolina Panthers in 2021 and 2022, he spent one season with the San Francisco 49ers to try and build back some confidence. Darnold certainly did that.
With that new contract, Darnold now becomes the highest-paid former USC player in terms of annual salary. Over his three seasons, he is going to earn nearly $37 million per year. The previous high was from Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
St. Brown has signed a four-year, $120 million extension prior to the 2024 NFL season. That’s an average of $30 million per year, which is an outstanding number for a wide receiver. Darnold’s $55 million guaranteed money is also second behind the St. Brown contract.
This contract is also very team-friendly for the Seahawks. Darnold will be just the eighteenth highest-paid quarterback in the NFL. That’s a pretty solid bargain after the money Geno Smith just got from the Las Vegas Raiders.
Seahawks begin a new era by landing the top QB on the free agency market in Sam Darnold to replace Geno Smith
The future is now in Seattle
