MOSES LAKE – As we creep closer to the start of the NFL season, fans across the league will be clamoring to see how their team’s retooled rosters will fare against the competition. One player that will be viewed under a microscope by fans this season is Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold.  

Darnold had been labeled a draft bust after failing to live up to the expectations of the New York Jets. After short stints with the Panthers and 49ers, Darnold signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings. Up until that point, he had never thrown more than 19 touchdowns in a season.   

When he arrived in Minnesota, he would receive an unexpected opportunity. After the first round draft pick, JJ McCarthy was ruled out with a season-ending injury; Darnold was called upon to lead the Vikings. He did so in impressive fashion as he led the team to victory in week one. He finished with two touchdowns and a 79% completion percentage.  

It came against the New York Giants, which may have left fans not initially convinced of Darnold. However, what would follow for the rest of the season would blindside everyone across the league. Darnold arguably played at an MVP level and led the Vikings to a playoff appearance.  

Darnold put up career-high numbers in just about every statistical category and did so in an assertive fashion. He threw for over 4,300 yards, 35 touchdowns and a 66.2 completion percentage. What he was able to show in one year with the Vikings is what many across the league had been waiting to see.  

After their loss to the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round of the playoffs, Darnold's offseason began. It was clear that McCarthy was the guy for the Vikings, and he would have to find a roster spot elsewhere. However, since he put up career-high numbers, Darnold became a hot commodity in the free agency market.  

The Seahawks scooped him up for a whopping $100 million over three years. With Geno Smith heading to Las Vegas, the Seahawks were in dire need of a starting-caliber quarterback. It was perfect timing in Darnold’s case.  

What begs to be answered is if Darnold can repeat his success in Seattle. He is only 28 years old, which traditionally puts him in his prime years as a quarterback. If he were over 30, it may have been an uphill battle to earn a multi-year contract at all.  

He also takes the throne from Geno Smith, who revived his career in Seattle. It seems that Darnold may have landed in the perfect situation, or did he? When Smith had his resurgence a couple of years ago, that was under Pete Carroll. He stepped away from the team for a year and reunited with Smith in Las Vegas.  

Darnold is not working with Carroll; instead, it's head coach Mike Macdonald, who seemed to clash with Smith. However, that does not mean Darnold will do the same. He will come into a system that includes talented receivers and running backs like he had in Minnesota. The Seahawks have a young star receiver in Jaxon Smith-Njigba and recently signed Cooper Kupp.  

Kupp was a triple-crown winner just a couple of seasons ago and still possesses those same abilities. He will also have Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet in the backfield for extra support. One concern I have for Darnold is the offensive line keeping him upright. That has been a struggle for Seattle these last few seasons as they have ranked in the bottom half of the league.  

The Seahawks have been consistent playoff contenders since Russell Wilson left, but have not been able to make it past the first round since 2020. Darnold is capable of leading a team to success, as we saw last season. Especially when surrounded by a talented roster, which has not been the case with the Jets or Panthers.  

If Macdonald can emphasize Darnold’s strengths and not put all the pressure on him to win games, he will be in good shape to continue his successes. More importantly, keep Jalen Milroe from breathing down his neck. Darnold has been waiting for the right situation where a coaching staff and organization can support him.  

In other cases, coaching turnover and front office dysfunction never allowed him to flourish like a former first-round pick should. In Seattle, Darnold is in the best situation to succeed.  

    Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass during NFL football practice, Wednesday, June 4, 2025, at the team's training facility in Renton, Wash.