Free agency has moved quickly for the Seattle Seahawks. First they cut Tyler Lockett. Then they traded DK Metcalf. Shipped Geno Smith to Las Vegas for a third round pick.
Now they’ve signed ex-Vikings QB Sam Darnold for 3 years and around $100M. As a Seahawk, Darnold will be throwing to breakout receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba and…the ghosts of Lockett and Metcalf? After an expensive commitment at quarterback, Seattle needs to invest in some quality targets as well.
Not everyone sees the move from Smith to Sam as practical. Is it an upgrade? A downgrade? Why go to the trouble of a trade to replace an entrenched starter with Sam-Seeing-Ghosts Darnold? Fans spoke their minds after news of the signing broke.
From Former Jet to Former Jet: Sam Darnold Replaces Fellow New Yorker with Seattle Seahawks
One of the reasons, probably the primary one, that Seattle moved on from Smith is the unproductive extension talks that fizzled out quickly prior to the trade. Smith wasn’t happy with what the Seahawks were willing to give him and so, rather than house an unhappy passer likely on his way out, anyway, via later trade or contract expiration, Seattle sent him on his merry way.
In Minnesota, Darnold put up career numbers, throwing for 4319 yards, 35 TDs and 12 INTs with a passer rating of 102.5. It was an odds-defying bounceback for a career journeyman and former first round pick labeled a bust.
Had he put on a better performance in the Vikings’ Wild Card game against the Rams, in which he took nine sacks, tossed a bad interception, overthrew a wide open touchdown, and just looked lost facing LA’s voracious pass rush, he would have undoubtedly won himself a bigger payday. As it is, 3 years and $90-some million is nothing to sneeze at.
The contract indeed represents a substantial commitment, far more lucrative than a typical “bridge” deal to bring in a hold-the-fort-down type player while the team formulates its long-term plans. The Seahawks front office must have a) really liked what they saw in Darnold in his only productive season in the league or b) been desperate for a serviceable quarterback in a limited free agent market and very thin draft.
NFL fans, on the other hand, aren’t all that impressed with Seattle’s pivot in the pocket.
Will Sammy D Build on Breakout Year in Minnesota?
Practical or not, the signing is not a clear upgrade. While Smith did not post impressive stats last season, recording a 21/15 TD to INT ratio, 4320 yards and a rating of 93.2, he had been a capable starter for three years in Seattle, with a higher floor than Darnold’s and probably the same ceiling.
“Seahawks traded Geno Smith to get Geno Smith Lite. I just don’t understand it,” one tweeter said.
“This is such a terrible deal for the Seahawks,” another commented. And so on:
“Seahawks gonna be the worse team in the division.”
“Dude was nails until the games mattered. Pooped the bed big time for my Vikings when a win was needed. Hope he plays well.”
“bro has played one good season in a good system and he’s all of a sudden worth 100 mill.”
Others were more supportive of the signing, or at least happy for Darnold. After becoming a meme as a New York Jet, the 2018 third overall pick has finally made it big.
“peace out sammy dimes, well earned!”
“He’s worked hard and earned this. JSN probably so happy too. Metcalf maybe should have never left.”
“Who’s he gonna throw to? Congrats to Darnold!”
“I’ll take him over Aaron anytime any day lol.”
Teams don’t think Aaron Rodgers is the hottest QB available? Huh. Better sign that deal with the Giants.
At the very least, the Seahawks addressed the void behind center left by Smith’s departure. Darnold has a lot riding on next season. The contract is an expensive gamble on a player with a dismal track record. A strong encore in 2025 will vindicate him and his new team. Flop and he’ll be the butt of a never-ending meme-athon.
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