The 27-year-old quarterback has agreed with Seattle Seahawks on a three-year contract starting for the 2025 NFL season, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Darnold can make up to $100.5 million on his contract with $55 million in guarantees.
Darnold has had an interesting career path for his age. The former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft to the New York Jets, Darnold played three seasons in New York. The Jets traded him to the Carolina Panthers ahead of the 2021 NFL season for a trio of draft picks.
In Carolina, Darnold had two injury-riddled seasons and started a total of 17 games across 2021 and 2022. The Panthers opted against re-signing him after the 2022 season.
Darnold spent the 2023 season as a backup with the NFC champion San Francisco 49ers before hitting free agency again in 2024. He signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings and started the whole season after an injury to rookie J.J. McCarthy.
He made his first Pro Bowl and led Minnesota to a 14-3 record and a playoff berth. The Vikings decided against placing the franchise tag on him for 2025 and that left him to test the market in free agency.
The Seahawks quickly emerged as a suitor for Darnold’s services after trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a 2025 third-round pick. Seattle will be Darnold’s fifth NFL team of the last six seasons.
USA TODAY’s Jacob Camenker contributed to this report.