Questions about Sam Darnold or the Seahawks?
Sam Darnold Today
HEYTC AISam Darnold Rating Breakdown
Sam Darnold Contract & Salary
Sam Darnold 2025 Stats via ESPN
Sam Darnold Career Timeline
HEYTC AI2025 1
Playoff Appearance as Veteran QB
By the mid‑2020s, Darnold was regarded as a veteran presence with postseason experience, contributing to a playoff run and drawing attention as one of the potential new faces to reach the Super Bowl stage.
2024 1
Joins Seattle Seahawks
Darnold joined the Seattle Seahawks on a new contract, adding veteran experience and competition to the team’s quarterback room for the 2024 season.
2022 1
Signs with San Francisco 49ers as Backup
Ahead of the 2023 season, Darnold signed a short‑term deal with the San Francisco 49ers to serve as a depth and competition option at quarterback behind established starters in a contending roster.
2021 1
Traded to Carolina Panthers
In April 2021, the New York Jets traded Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers, where he opened the season as the starting quarterback and looked to revive his career with a new organization.
2019 1
Mono Diagnosis and Missed Games with Jets
Early in the 2019 season, Darnold was diagnosed with mononucleosis, causing him to miss multiple games and temporarily halt his development as the Jets’ starting quarterback.
2018 2
Becomes Youngest Week 1 Starting QB in Modern Era
Darnold started for the New York Jets in Week 1 of his rookie season at age 21, making him one of the youngest opening‑day starting quarterbacks in modern NFL history and immediately establishing him as the face of the franchise.
Drafted by New York Jets
Sam Darnold was selected by the New York Jets with the 3rd overall pick in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft, entering the league as one of the top quarterback prospects in his class.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sam Darnold
Is Sam Darnold playing this week?
Yes, Sam Darnold is expected to start for the Seahawks in their NFC Divisional Round playoff game against the 49ers. He worked out on Monday, January 12, 2026, at the Virginia Mason Athletic Center with no injury concerns reported.
How did Sam Darnold play in his last game?
Sam Darnold threw four interceptions in a 21-19 loss to the Titans in his most recent game. Despite the poor performance, the Seahawks organization has publicly backed him, with the team's message being clear that they have confidence in his ability to rebound.
Will Sam Darnold be traded or receive a contract extension?
No current trade or contract extension rumors are reported in available news. Darnold finished the 2025 regular season with 4,000+ passing yards and 25 touchdowns, helping the Seahawks achieve a 14-3 record, demonstrating he has solidified his role as the team's starting quarterback.
Is Sam Darnold a top 10 quarterback?
Yes, according to HeyTC's Daily AI Quarterback Rankings, Sam Darnold is currently ranked #10 overall with a score of 36.61 in the 'Slaps' tier.[current data] He finished the regular season with which ranked 19th in the league, though he was one of just six quarterbacks to reach 4,000 passing yards.
Can Sam Darnold beat the 49ers in the divisional round?
The Seahawks are favored in this matchup as the NFC's top seed playing at home. In their two regular-season meetings, Darnold was limited to 348 total yards and no touchdowns by the 49ers defense, but Seattle's dominant run game (180 rushing yards in Week 18) and elite defense should help minimize his need to carry the offense.
What is the biggest storyline about Sam Darnold right now?
Sam Darnold's redemption narrative is the central story. he was let go by the Vikings after leading them to a 14-3 record last season, yet he has replicated that success with the Seahawks this year, also posting a 14-3 record. Now he faces a crucial playoff test against his division rival 49ers as the Seahawks' top-seeded team, with his ability to manage pressure and avoid turnovers being critical to Seattle's championship hopes.