Sam Darnold is your new QB

[Irish Greg 2.0]

3 years, $100.5 mil

About $33 mil APY

[c_hawkbob]

Well he's younger. Not convinced he's an upgrade otherwise.

[NorthHawk]

Glad it’s done. But he’s a younger Geno so a QB in the draft is still a possibility or maybe a probable outcome.

[Irish Greg 2.0]

They are definitely drafting a QB

[NorthHawk]

According to The Sporting News it’s $55M guaranteed. So it’s pretty team friendly if the drafted QB is ready to start late this year or next year.

[jshawaii22]

Nice move for the Seahawks. Considering whos out there at QB, this is the best news of the offseason.
Darnold 10m cheaper this year and I'm sorry, but he's 6 years younger and is better.
I think I foresee a Geno vs Darnold at Allegiant Stadium in Vegas this year.... I'll be there!

[Agent 86]

According to The Sporting News it’s $55M guaranteed. So it’s pretty team friendly if the drafted QB is ready to start late this year or next year.

It's a 3 year, $110.5 million deal. so around $37 million a year cap hit I think. And yes, $55 million guaranteed.

Edit: Now I see another site has it as IG originally said at 3 years, $100 million. So I see conflicting reports on the total money.

[Irish Greg 2.0]

It's a 3 year, $110.5 million deal. so around $37 million a year cap hit I think. And yes, $55 million guaranteed

Cap hit will be much lower. They will structure it with a void year.

Likely around $13.5mil this season:

https://x.com/CHawk_Talk/status/1899169429814153446

[jshawaii22]

Interesting, but SI just headlined 3 year @100.5m total. So somewhere between 33 and 35m a year. Still better then what Geno wanted and we have 5 draft picks in the top 100 give or take.

[Irish Greg 2.0]

Interesting, but SI just headlined 3 year @100.5m total. So somewhere between 33 and 35m a year. Still better then what Geno wanted and we have 5 draft picks in the top 100 give or take.

APY doesn't equate to cap hit. If there are void years (likely in the 3rd year of the deal), the cap hit will be much lower.

Cluff is pretty on it with this stuff.

[Aseahawkfan]

Another middling QB who turned one decent year into a middling contract to keep us from a losing record so we maintain middling draft position to draft middling talent for a middling non-contending team. Well, John, it was good knowing you. I expect the GM and coaching staff to be gone in two years, maybe three if they can manage a playoff win. Then we'll be rebuilding again unless John really hits in the draft. I guess we'll see. But to me this looks like a scared GM who isn't sure he can build well enough in the draft to build a winning team.

[NorthHawk]

Another middling QB who turned one decent year into a middling contract to keep us from a losing record so we maintain middling draft position to draft middling talent for a middling non-contending team. Well, John, it was good knowing you. I expect the GM and coaching staff to be gone in two years, maybe three if they can manage a playoff win. Then we'll be rebuilding again unless John really hits in the draft. I guess we'll see. But to me this looks like a scared GM who isn't sure he can build well enough in the draft to build a winning team.

It seems to the plan was to get a QB that fits the new system and Kubiak was the Passing Coordinator with SF when Darnold was there, as well O'Connell's Offense stems from the Shanahan/McVay tree so Darnold should be able to continue on.
This doesn't mean they won't take a QB in the draft, but it does mean that if they do then Darnold is a much cheaper bridge QB than Geno. So what we ended up with is a cheaper QB who's probably as good or better than Geno in this system as well as a 2nd round pick from the Steelers for DK, and a 3rd round pick from Geno going to LV.

I'm hoping that JS goes after one of the better Guards or Centers in FA - or maybe both and not do the usual BS of waiting until there are only a few left and taking the last crumbs and hoping for the best. If he wants to improve the OL, he has to be more aggressive in that pursuit than he has in the last decade or more.

[Aseahawkfan]

It seems to the plan was to get a QB that fits the new system and Kubiak was the Passing Coordinator with SF when Darnold was there, as well O'Connell's Offense stems from the Shanahan/McVay tree so Darnold should be able to continue on.
This doesn't mean they won't take a QB in the draft, but it does mean that if they do then Darnold is a much cheaper bridge QB than Geno. So what we ended up with is a cheaper QB who's probably as good or better than Geno in this system as well as a 2nd round pick from the Steelers for DK, and a 3rd round pick from Geno going to LV.

I'm hoping that JS goes after one of the better Guards or Centers in FA - or maybe both and not do the usual BS of waiting until there are only a few left and taking the last crumbs and hoping for the best. If he wants to improve the OL, he has to be more aggressive in that pursuit than he has in the last decade or more.

For me, I see teams that draft high picking up the big talent and contending. It all comes down to finding the high performing QB for continuous contention that can perform in the playoffs.

Good GMs like that guy in Philly build great teams, then they are in great position to take great opportunistically rather than for need. They're making it work with Jalen Hurts, who isn't a great passing QB but is a good enough hybrid QB with a strong defense and run game and O-line. That Philly GM is one of the best right now. They had some real down years to stock up on talent.

I feel this continuing to push for this purgatory of non-contention by picking up QBs like Sam Darnold who can play against weak teams and fold against good teams is not a path to long-term success. You need a guy who can perform in the big, important games surrounded by a great team. Do we get that guy picking at 20 hoping an Aaron Rodgers quality player drops to us or we find some guy in the later rounds? I don't know.

Some people like Lamar Jackson. Jackson is turning out to be a regular season Superman and a post-season Lois Lane.

I feel like John Schneider's team building strategy is a failing strategy. Teams that cannot accept the down years won't build the talent to have a lot of up years. NFL is built for teams to have those down years to pick up great talent. We have this team building strategy right now under John with a midrange floor that is limited our upside as well because picking in the 20s all the time across rounds leads to a constant supply of middling talent. You never get to pick the prime groceries, especially in the QB section.

Sports is a results oriented business. JS can prove me wrong, but that's how I feel right now like JS is using a failing strategy that is likely not going to end well.

[NorthHawk]

Darnold is nothing more than a bridge. If we are to get an improvement at QB it will be via the draft.

The real problem that still needs improvement remains the OL and the longer JS waits, the larger the probability that we will see a continuation of the same bottom feeding that we’ve seen during JS’s tenure. The 2 best Centers are gone and there are a couple of good Guards left at the moment, but then the fit for the blocking scheme falls off.

[Stream Hawk]

Darnold is nothing more than a bridge. If we are to get an improvement at QB it will be via the draft.

The real problem that still needs improvement remains the OL and the longer JS waits, the larger the probability that we will see a continuation of the same bottom feeding that we’ve seen during JS’s tenure. The 2 best Centers are gone and there are a couple of good Guards left at the moment, but then the fit for the blocking scheme falls off.

I heard reports they are going all in on Fries.

Regarding avoiding the tank. Niners are seeing a bigger exodus than us. They have to pay (mid) Purdy now and it’s costing them. But the Rams are going for it. Seahawks were neck and neck with them - although I don’t know how we almost lost that last game. If we get Fries, and possibly Becton or another quality OL, then that’s a huge swing away from the standard JS FA norm. We then have a good draft haul to continue focus on trenches.

[River Dog]

This has our OC's fingerprints all over it. Darnold played for Kubiak when they were both with the Niners, so they obviously felt that he's a better fit for what we want to do on offense vs. Geno. Darnold is coming off the best season of his career, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record. Plus, we'll get a net plus in salary cap space. I like the signing.

But I do think that we'll at least be in the market for a QBOTF during the draft. Darnold is definitely a bridge QB.

[trents]

Darnold is pretty good when his protection holds up. When it doesn't, he's an INT machine. And therein lies the problem unless the Hawks can significantly upgrade their OL.

[River Dog]

Darnold is pretty good when his protection holds up. When it doesn't, he's an INT machine. And therein lies the problem unless the Hawks can significantly upgrade their OL.

He can't be any worse than what Geno was, at least as far as it applies to the red zone picks.

The other thing this signing does is put to rest the rumors of a Russell Wilson return or bringing in Rodgers. Thank God that's not going to happen.

[trents]

He can't be any worse than what Geno was, at least as far as it applies to the red zone picks."
The other thing this signing does is put to rest the rumors of a Russell Wilson return or bringing in Rodgers. Thank God that's not going to happen.

We're in agreement there!

[NorthHawk]

I heard reports they are going all in on Fries.

If we do sign him, we have to go all out to find an opposite Guard named Burger.

[NorthHawk]

I heard reports they are going all in on Fries.

Apparently he suffered a broken tibia last year and can't undergo medical tests until Wednesday. The Vikings are also strongly pursuing him so who knows? Maybe the no tax state will sway him if he's healthy.

[NorthHawk]

Fries has now signed with the Vikings. As usual we have waited on the sidelines while the better OL have been signed by others.
At this point OL upgrades don't look to be in the cards unless the draft concentrates on them and then there are only a few players that won't take a couple of years to develop.
I expect the OL to be as bad as last year or maybe worse if this is the case.

[Irish Greg 2.0]

Fries has now signed with the Vikings. As usual we have waited on the sidelines while the better OL have been signed by others.
At this point OL upgrades don't look to be in the cards unless the draft concentrates on them and then there are only a few players that won't take a couple of years to develop.
I expect the OL to be as bad as last year or maybe worse if this is the case.

Some day, this fan base will finally realize JS is a mediocre GM who rode the coattails of Pete Carroll for too long.

He is an obstinate fool and operates like he knows he is un-fireable.

[NorthHawk]

There's a level of arrogance that's not commensurate with continued success. His lack of success with the IOL is bordering on incompetence when looking at the last decade or more.
He doesn't understand that the OL is the engine of the Offense and replacing good parts with old used parts on their last legs just doesn't work.
I keep hoping that every off season things will change, but history shows that's not a good idea.

[Irish Greg 2.0]

Pretty maddening seeing him get a pass every season. I know it's hard to bail on him, because he is the last connection to our Golden Era. But this dude has been a sub-par GM for YEARS.

His early success was propped up by Pete's knowledge of college players and Scot McGloughan. He has been low key terrible in free agency and has made some really bad trades.

Granted, his drafting has been a bit better recently. But, 2 playoff wins since the 2015 season. 2.

They have canned Pete, gone through OCs and DCs, assistants, you name it. When does that axe ever point at him?

Devils advocate, the ownership may be manipulating his plans as well...she isn't exactly an engaged type and might be setting the franchise up to sell.

[Aseahawkfan]

I'm starting to sour on JS as well. Darnold is a QB that you sign to maintain some illusion of contention or turning the corner while not actually contending.

I'd rather start drafting guys and tossing them into the fire to see who can survive. When Pete left, we lost that compete for the position mentality he brought with him in the early days. No one was really safe with Carroll. You had to earn your job and keep it. Those young guys responded by competing like gladiators in the arena to hold that job and prove themselves. Prove themselves they did to become one of the best defensive units ever.

Where is that fire now. The fires of competition to forge an elite team capable of winning it all.

[River Dog]

Devils advocate, the ownership may be manipulating his plans as well...she isn't exactly an engaged type and might be setting the franchise up to sell.

Interesting theory that I find a little hard to believe, but it would explain some unusual things, like having so much cap space yet not going more aggressively after free agents like Fries.

[NorthHawk]

I've always thought that a winning franchise is more valuable than a losing franchise with a lot of Cap room. I think there is a Cap floor along with a Cap ceiling in the NFL.

[c_hawkbob]

What Happens to Unused Salary Cap?
NFL teams are allowed to roll over any unused cap space from one season to the next. Teams must tell the league they plan to roll over cap space by 4 p.m. ET on the day after their regular-season finale.

While the NFL has a salary cap, it also has a salary floor, so teams cannot hold onto money perpetually. Teams must spend at least 89% of the cap over a four-year period, while the NFL as a whole must spend at least 95% of the cap.

If a team fails to reach the 89% threshold, it will be forced to pay the difference to players who were on its roster during those four years. However, no NFL team has been penalized in this manner in recent memory.

https://www.profootballnetwork.com/how- ... least%2095%%20of%20the%20cap.

[NorthHawk]

So they can roll the unused Cap space over to the next year for 3 years then go on a spending spree the 4th year to get over the Salary Floor?
I don't think that would materially affect any buying considerations when the team goes up for sale. After all, these people or groups that want to purchase a team wouldn't consider a couple of hundred million as a hindrance or incentive to purchasing a team worth 7 - 10 Billion dollars and which makes at least that much in profits each year (if the Green Bay numbers are a gauge).

[Irish Greg 2.0]

They already have $124 million in cap space on the books for 2026, before Darnold's deal is factored in.

How much cap do they need to roll over? Seems weird.

Something is very off.

[4XPIPS]

Not upset about this signing, but it gives the chance to still draft the QBOTF. Darnold's contract is extremely team friendly, and if he lights it up next two seasons he could be in for a massive pay day com start of the 2028 season. As this is a 3 year deal, it's realistically a 2 year deal just like Geno. I perceive the Hawks to still look for a QB in the draft, and let Darnold be the bridge.

[NorthHawk]

They already have $124 million in cap space on the books for 2026, before Darnold's deal is factored in.

How much cap do they need to roll over? Seems weird.

Something is very off.

I hope they are going to take a run at getting Trey Hendrickson from the Bengals. 17.5 sacks each of the last 2 years.

[TriCitySam]

The contract:

Per a source with knowledge of the terms, here’s the rough breakdown:

1. 2025 compensation: $37.5 million, fully guaranteed.

2. 2026 compensation: $27.5 million, $17.5 million of which is guaranteed for injury and becomes fully guaranteed in the week after Super Bowl LX.

3. 2027 compensation: $35.5 million, non-guaranteed.

The deal also includes $2 million per year for individual performance, $2.5 million per year for postseason performance, and $500,000 per year for team performance.

The structure allows the Seahawks to escape the contract after one year and $37.5 million. While it’s generally frowned upon for teams to scrap contracts when the guarantee flips from injury-only to full in the early days of the waiver period, that’s what the Raiders did with Derek Carr in 2023. (The good news for the player is that it gives him a head start on free agency, by more than a month.)

[Oly]

That looks like a very team-friendly deal. He gets a bunch of money this year while they have cap space, but if the Hawks draft a rookie who progresses in his first year behind Darnold, they can move on without much pain.

I'm not happy with how JS hasn't improved the line this offseason, but I'll be damned if he didn't do well at QB and WR.

[NorthHawk]

Very good contract for the team, and for Darnold $37.5M isn’t too bad either in a no state-tax state. It sets him up for life if he’s not stupid with the money but having had limited success in his career he’s probably got his head on straight.

[NorthHawk]

The Center for the Vikings last year is available. He was Darnold’s Center but they signed Ryan Kelly.
Is JS going to try to sign him or will he do the usual and wait for a 3rd string Guard to come available and call it a day?
My money is on he won’t consider it necessary as the Center position isn’t a priority.

[Irish Greg 2.0]

The Center for the Vikings last year is available. He was Darnold’s Center but they signed Ryan Kelly.
Is JS going to try to sign him or will he do the usual and wait for a 3rd string Guard to come available and call it a day?
My money is on he won’t consider it necessary as the Center position isn’t a priority.

Bradbury is a turnstile nowadays (see playoff game vs Rams). I hope they don't have interest.

JS needs to finally just DRAFT a center (like Jared Wilson from Georgia) if they don't think Olu or Sundell are the answer. He should have drafted Creed Humphrey instead of frigging Dee Eskridge, but here we are.

I have heard from some of my team connected buddies that they are pretty high on Sundell in Kubiak's wide zone system.

[River Dog]

JS needs to finally just DRAFT a center (like Jared Wilson from Georgia) if they don't think Olu or Sundell are the answer. He should have drafted Creed Humphrey instead of frigging Dee Eskridge, but here we are.

That was one of the worst draft decisions in team history IMO, ranking up there with Lamar King and Andre Hines. Saying that we should have taken Creed Humphrey without adding some context makes it one of those hindsight is 20/20 second guessing thing. But in that draft, we had just 3 picks, and we already had two solid starting WR's in Lockett and Metcalf. Thanks to the Adams trade, we didn't have a #1 that year, so Eskridge was our top pick, and the best we could hope for was that he'd be a #3 WR.

WR is always a sore spot for me anyway as I am of the opinion that the position is overrated, that there are a lot of great WR's out there. They're a dime a dozen, and not necessary for a championship team. But drafting Eskridge in lieu of addressing a chronic need at center took the cake.

[NorthHawk]

That's JS's history. His devaluation of the IOL means he's necessarily going to take a high risk or select a player that doesn't fill a void over an obvious need and player of ability if that player is IOL. Humphrey isn't the only Center he's passed by, there are others as well and many of us fans were hoping that that year would be the time when he made the move.
I just don't think he ever will select an IOL before the 3rd round again. He selected Pocic in the 2nd and then played him almost exclusively at Guard then let him go. He never got a chance to develop and is now the starting Center on a much better OL in Cleveland. So again after him talking about fixing the OL, we will watch him pass by obviously talented Guards and Centers for other positions. He may take a Tackle then experiment pushing him inside, but his history is poor in that strategy.