Sam Darnold, the QB everyone’s talking about, just inked a sweet three-year deal worth $110.5 million with the Seattle Seahawks! Yeah, you heard that right, he’s getting some serious cash.
Why the buzz? Well, Darnold had a killer season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. He took the team to 14 wins and got them into the playoffs. He’s stepping in for Geno Smith, who just got traded to the Las Vegas Raiders. And guess what? Darnold’s new contract has $55 million guaranteed! Cha-ching!
Darnold was the third pick back in the 2018 draft by the Jets, and oh boy, he really shined last season under the amazing coaching of Kevin O’Connell. He threw for 4,319 yards, scored 35 TDs, and only had 12 picks, ending up with a cool passer rating of 102.5. Fun fact: He’s now in the history books as one of the few quarterbacks to throw multiple TDs in 12 games, joining the likes of Aaron Rodgers and Patrick Mahomes!
But, it wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. Darnold, who made it to the Pro Bowl, had a rough patch when his team needed him most. They had a shot at the No. 1 seed in the NFC but blew it against Detroit, losing 31-9 in Week 18. They ended up at No. 5 and got smashed by the Los Angeles Rams in playoffs, where Darnold got sacked nine times. Ouch!
With Darnold moving, it looks like JJ McCarthy, the Vikings’ first-round pick in 2024, will be the starter next season. McCarthy didn’t play last year due to an injury, so this will be his big shot.
Over in Jets land, they’ve got their new guy! Justin Fields just signed a two-year deal for $40 million. Fields was picked 11th overall in 2021, while the Jets snagged Zach Wilson at No. 2. Wilson? He’s outta there after a tough time in New York. Now, the Jets hope Fields can turn things around, especially with his old buddy Garrett Wilson as a teammate.
Fields has thrown for 7,780 yards and 45 touchdowns with 31 interceptions across 50 games, racking up 19 rushing touchdowns too. Let’s see if he can get things rolling with the Jets!
On another note, the Chargers are bringing back Khalil Mack on a one-year deal worth a fully guaranteed $18 million, while letting running back Gus Edwards go to create some cap space. Mack, who’s still killing it at 34, has missed just one game during his time with the Chargers.
Meanwhile, the Buccaneers snagged Pro Bowler Haason Reddick for a one-year deal worth $14 million, with $12 million guaranteed. Reddick is back in action after some contract drama last season.
Plus, star receiver Chris Godwin also decided to stick with the Bucs, signing a three-year deal worth $66 million. Smart move!
The Washington Commanders are making waves too, grabbing defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw and trading for standout offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil from the Texans. After a huge turnaround last season, they’re looking to keep the momentum going with plenty of cap space!
Although these moves are exciting, teams won’t officially sign free agents until Wednesday, marking the start of the new league year.
