Sam Darnold leaving Vikings for $100 million deal with Seahawks
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - DECEMBER 08: Sam Darnold #14 of the Minnesota Vikings looks to pass against the Atlanta Falcons during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium on December 08, 2024 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Stephen Maturen/Getty Im
MINNEAPOLIS (FOX 9) - Sam Darnold’s days with the Minnesota Vikings are over after one season.
According to multiple NFL insiders, Darnold has agreed to a three-year deal with the Seattle Seahawks for around $100 million, with $55 million guaranteed. Darnold officially becomes a free agent on Wednesday after one year with the Vikings, but NFL teams are allowed to negotiate with free agents starting Monday, a legal tampering period.
Pete Bercich breaks down Vikings' start to NFL free agency
Legal tampering ahead of NFL free agency started Monday, and the Vikings have both signed players and lost free agents. FOX 9 Sports Director Jim Rich talked Monday with Pete Bercich of the Vikings Radio Network to break down Sam Darnold's departure, bringing back Aaron Jones and other moves ahead.
The Seahawks’ starting quarterback job became open last weekend, after they traded Geno Smith.
The Vikings will face Darnold and the Seahawks this season in Seattle at Lumen Field. We'll find out the date when the NFL releases its schedule in May. The Seahawks got to see Darnold this past season, as he hit Justin Jefferson for a long touchdown that helped the Vikings leave with a 27-24 victory.
Darnold rebuilds career
Why you should care:
Darnold came to the Vikings on a one-year, $10 million deal for the 2024 season. He had career-highs in passing yards (4,319) and touchdowns (35) while leading Minnesota to 14 wins. He also started his first playoff game.
What’s next for Vikings?
J.J. McCarthy's time:
Darnold’s departure paves the way for J.J. McCarthy to be the starting quarterback in 2025. The Vikings moved up to the No. 10 spot in the NFL Draft to get the former Michigan star, who suffered a torn meniscus in his right knee during his preseason debut.
The Vikings could also try to bring back Daniel Jones to be the back-up to McCarthy.
Cam Bynum leaving for Colts
Why you should care:
Just after the news on Darnold broke Monday, multiple reports indicated safety Cam Bynum is leaving the Vikings for the Indianapolis Colts. He's reportedly going a sign a four-year contract worth $60 million. The Vikings drafted Bynum in 2021, and he had three interceptions this season. He was also the defense's ring leader for turnover celebrations.