Die Seahawks haben einen neuen Quarterback! Sam Darnold, 27, hat nach einer starken Saison 2024 bei den Minnesota Vikings einen Dreijahresvertrag in Seattle unterschrieben und führt das Team in die Zukunft.
Jung, athletisch und an der Westküste zu Hause – das musst du über den neuen Spielmacher im pazifischen Nordwesten wissen.
1. Darnold wirft die besten tiefen Pässe der Liga
Sam Darnolds Profikarriere begann nicht so, wie es viele von einem an dritter Stelle im NFL Draft ausgewählten, hoch gehandelten Spieler erwarten. Nach drei Saisons bei den New York Jets wurde er zu den Carolina Panthers getradet. Es folgte eine Spielzeit als Backup bei den San Francisco 49ers. Und dann? Bei den Minnesota Vikings startete er komplett durch.
Alles, was Darnold benötigte, war eine Chance, unter stabilen Bedingungen und im richtigen System seine Leistung zu zeigen. In Minneapolis bekam er sie, weil sich Draftpick J.J. McCarthy in der Vorbereitung verletzte. Der Rest ist ein wilder Fiebertraum.
Darnold blühte auf. Er zeigte, dass er im besten Fall ein athletischer Quarterback mit starkem Arm ist, der Monster-Würfe raushauen kann. Ein Meister des langen Brots, würde NFL-Experte Patrick Esume wohl sagen.
Nicht ohne Grund hatte er 2024 die sechsthöchste Touchdown-Quote der Liga. 6,4 Prozent seiner Würfe resultieren in sechs Punkten. Die Rangliste der Spielmacher mit den meisten Yards bei tiefen Pässen führte Darnold vergangene Saison sogar mit über 150 Yards Vorsprung an.
Als er am zweiten Spieltag einen Ball aus der eigenen Endzone in Richtung Justin Jefferson übers halbe Feld feuerte und dieser den perfekten Wurf zum Touchdown vollendete, rieben sich nicht nur die Kritiker die Augen. Ein paar Monate später kamen auch Seahawks-Fans in den Genuss: Am 16. Spieltag zerlegte Darnold Seattle mit drei Touchdowns und 246 Yards.
Am Ende ging Darnold – aber vor allem seiner Offensive Line und dem gesamten Vikings-Team – in Minnesota ein wenig die Luft aus. Aber dass er eine Mannschaft mit konstant guten Leistungen in die Playoffs führen kann, sollte unbestritten sein.
2. Er passt gut ins neue Seahawks-System
In Seattle trifft Sam Darnold auf einen alten Bekannten: Klint Kubiak. Der neue Offensive Coordinator der Seahawks arbeitete 2023 bei den 49ers mit dem Quarterback zusammen.
Darnold findet bei seinem neuen Team also ein System vor, das vertraut aussehen, sich vertraut anfühlen und vertraut klingen wird. Eines, in dem er auch 2024 in Minnesota glänzte. Während sich Kubiaks Spielidee nicht eins zu eins mit der vom Vikings-Cheftrainer Kevin O'Connell deckt, so gibt es doch zahlreiche Ähnlichkeiten.
"Klint war einer der Hauptgründe, warum ich hier unterschrieben habe, weil ich ihn und den Stil der Offense, die er hier spielen will, einfach kenne", sagte Darnold. "Er war in San Francisco sehr wichtig für mich, um das System zu lernen. Wir haben viel Zeit miteinander verbracht, als ich dort war, und das ist etwas, wofür ich immer dankbar sein werde."
Die Kubiak-Connection ist – neben dem entsprechenden Support in der Offensive – vielleicht der wichtigste Grundstein für Darnolds Erfolg.
3. Ein Werdegang wie Geno
Seattles bisheriger Quarterback und Seattles neuer haben etwas gemeinsam: Für beide begann die Profikarriere in New York. Geno Smith wurde 2013 von den Jets gedraftet, Sam Darnold 2018. Für beide endete die Zeit im Big Apple enttäuschend. Smith verlor in seiner zweiten Saison den Stammplatz, bei Darnold zogen die Jets nach drei Jahren die Reißleine und tradeten ihn nach Carolina.
Die zwei Spielmacher erholten sich nur langsam von ihrer durchwachsenen Karriere in New York. Smith wurde erst Ersatz-Quarterback bei den Giants, dann bei den Chargers und schließlich bei den Seahawks. Darnold war auch bei den Panthers glücklos und kam in San Francisco nicht über die Backup-Rolle hinaus.
Trotzdem schafften beide das große Comeback. Smith wurde in Seattle 2022 nach dem Abschied Russell Wilsons zum Stammspieler und legte Zahlen auf, die ihm zuvor nur wenige zugetraut hatten (über 4.000 Passing Yards und 30 Touchdowns). Darnold rückte 2024 für den am Knie verletzten Rookie J.J. McCarthy in die Vikings-Startaufstellung und erinnerte mit seiner Leistung an die von Smith zwei Jahre zuvor (über 4.000 Passing Yards und 35 Touchdowns).
Nun beerbt Sam Darnold den nach Las Vegas getradeten Geno Smith.
4. Er ist erst 27 Jahre alt
Einer der wesentlichen Unterschiede zwischen den zwei oben genannten Quarterbacks bei ansonsten ähnlichem Karriereverlauf: das Alter. Sam Darnold ist schon seit 2018 NFL-Profi, also seit über sieben Jahren – und trotzdem erst 27 (Geno Smith: 34).
Bei seinem Debüt für die Jets 2018 im Alter von 21 Jahren und 97 Tagen war er der jüngste NFL-Starter auf der Spielmacher-Position seit 1970. 83 Partien später ist er immer noch im besten Alter und zeigt sein enormes Entwicklungspotenzial, wenn er die richtigen Bedingungen vorfindet.
Fun Fact: In Seattle hat Darnold als Gast oft die richtigen Bedingungen vorgefunden. Er hat in der Großstadt im US-Nordwesten kein einziges Spiel verloren – wenn Fans im Stadion waren.
Als College-Superstar fügte er mit der University of Southern California (USC Trojans) den Huskies von der University of Washington 2016 ihre einzige Saisonniederlage zu. Und vergangene Saison besiegte er mit den Vikings die Seahawks mit 27:24 durch einen Touchdown-Pass im letzten Drive.
Nur in dieser verflixten Corona-Saison 2020, als nur Pappfiguren statt Fans im Stadion standen, konnte Darnold keinen Sieg mit nach Hause nehmen. Seine Jets unterlagen den Seahawks brutal mit 3:40.
5. Sam Darnold: ruhiger Sunnyboy von der Westküste
Dass Darnold trotz holpriger Profikarriere nie aufgegeben und immer an seine Chance geglaubt hat, liegt auch daran, dass er nie in Panik verfällt.
Seine Mutter beschreibt diese innere Ruhe mit der folgenden Geschichte aus seiner Kindheit: Sam Darnold wuchs in Kalifornien an der US-Westküste auf. Er war fünf Jahre alt und spielte am Strand mit seinem kleinen Surfbrett, als er von einer Strömung 200 Meter weit aufs Meer gezogen wurde.
Mama Darnold, verständlicherweise außer sich vor Angst und in Panik, bat einen Rettungsschwimmer um Hilfe. Doch da formierte sich bereits eine große Welle hinter dem kleinen Sam auf seinem Board, auf der er seelenruhig zurück an Land ritt.
Laut seiner Mutter hatte Sam Darnold in diesem Moment nur ein teuflisches Grinsen auf dem Gesicht, während sie in Tränen aufgelöst zu ihm gerannt kam. Dann ging er wieder ins Wasser.
Es ist dieses Selbstvertrauen, ein meist stilles Selbstvertrauen in sich und seine Fähigkeiten, das den Quarterback durch schwierige Zeiten navigiert hat. Ist er deswegen schüchtern, wie einige Leute ihn beschreiben? Keinesfalls!
Das beweist der steinige Weg, den Darnold bis zur Profikarriere ging. Seine Football-Laufbahn begann als Receiver und Linebacker. Erst spät in der Highschool wurde er zum Quarterback, legte starke Zahlen auf und wurde von den USC Trojans trotzdem nur als Verteidiger angeworben. Darnold sagte höflich ab – und bekam am Ende dennoch, was er wollte.
Weil er beim Basketball als Schüler seine unglaubliche Athletik zeigte, knickte die Universität schließlich ein, in der Hoffnung, diese Skills würden ihm auch als Quarterback helfen. Ein Poker, der belohnt wurde. 2017 führte er die Trojans mit über 4.000 Passing Yards zum Titel in der Pac-12 Conference.
Die Leichtigkeit dieses talentierten Quarterbacks von damals – athletisch, spektakulär, abgeklärt – hat er 2024 zurückgewonnen. Jetzt darf er seinen Weg an der Westküste fortsetzen.
The Seahawks signed quarterback Sam Darnold to a multi-year deal on Thursday, March 13, 2025. Darnold began his career after being selected 3rd overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft and would go on to also play for the Panthers, 49ers and Vikings. He was named to his first Pro-Bowl in 2024 after throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns in his lone season with Minnesota. Check out the best photos of the Seahawks' newest QB throughout his football career.
Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes the ball against Utah in the first half during an NCAA college football game Friday, Sept. 23, 2016, in Salt Lake City. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer)
Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona State Saturday, Oct. 1, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Ryan Kang)
Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold runs with the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado, Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
FILE - In this Saturday, Oct. 8, 2016, file photo, Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold looks to pass during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Colorado in Los Angeles. The Trojans will attempt to build on their three-game winning streak Thursday night at the Coliseum against weary California, which had a short week to prepare for the Pac-12 showdown. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong, File)
Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold runs the ball during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Arizona, Saturday, Oct. 15, 2016, in Tucson, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold passes during the first half of an NCAA college football game against UCLA, Saturday, Nov. 19, 2016, in Pasadena, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold (14) in action during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Utah in Los Angeles, Saturday, Oct. 14, 2017. (AP Photo/Kelvin Kuo)
Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold scrambles during the second half of an NCAA college football game against Notre Dame, Saturday, Oct. 21, 2017, in South Bend, Ind. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
USC quarterback Sam Darnold runs the 40-yard dash during the NFL football scouting combine, Saturday, March 3, 2018, in Indianapolis. (AP Photo/Darron Cummings)
Southern California quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass during USC Pro Day, Wednesday, March 21, 2018, in Los Angeles. The Pro Day is intended to showcase talent to NFL scouts for the upcoming draft. (AP Photo/Jae C. Hong)
USC's Sam Darnold, right, poses for photos with commissioner Roger Goodell after he was selected by the New York Jets during the first round of the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 26, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/David J. Phillip)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of a preseason NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons Friday, Aug. 10, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs against the Detroit Lions in the first half of an NFL football game in Detroit, Monday, Sept. 10, 2018. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Jets' Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
FILE - In this Sunday, Sept. 16, 2018, file photo, New York Jets' Sam Darnold (14) rolls out during the first half of an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins in East Rutherford, N.J. Darnold didn't have exactly what the Browns were looking for in a franchise quarterback. They passed on him and took Baker Mayfield with the No. 1 overall pick instead. On Thursday night, Darnold gets to show Cleveland if it made another mistake. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez, File)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Oct. 14, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Howard Simmons)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) launches a pass downfield against the Buffalo Bills during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 9, 2018, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/Adrian Kraus)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold scrambles against the Houston Texans during the second half of an NFL football game, Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnoldagainst the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady, left, and New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, right, speak at midfield after an NFL Football game, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New York Jets' Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills Sunday, Sept. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes the ball out of the pocket against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) sets back to pass against the Miami Dolphins during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fla. (AP Photo/Lynne Sladky)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs past New York Giants' Janoris Jenkins (20) for a touchdown during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a touchdown pass in the first half of an NFL football game against the Washington Redskins, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2019, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Mark Tenally)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold looks to pass on the run during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) signals at the line of scrimmage during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs on Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Jeff Roberson)
FILE - In this Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, file photo, Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold warm ups before a preseason NFL football game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Charlotte, N.C. Darnold gears up to face his former team, the New York Jets, in the season opener on Sunday. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond, File)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold plays against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first half of a preseason NFL football game Friday, Aug. 27, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold, left, hands off to running back Christian McCaffrey against the New Orleans Saints during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Nell Redmond)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) attempts to pass the ball against the Houston Texans during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Sept. 23, 2021, in Houston. (AP Photo/Justin Rex)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold passes the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
Carolina Panthers' Sam Darnold drops back to pass in the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys in Arlington, Texas, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021. (AP Photo/Michael Ainsworth)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) plays against the Philadelphia Eagles during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) works against the Minnesota Vikings during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) plays against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) works against the Atlanta Falcons during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold plays against the New England Patriots during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 7, 2021, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) rushes past Tampa Bay Buccaneers inside linebacker Kevin Minter (51) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws during an NFL football game between the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos on Sunday, Nov. 27, 2022, in Charlotte, N.C. (AP Photo/Jacob Kupferman)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs against the Denver Broncos during the first half of an NFL preseason football game in Santa Clara, Calif., Saturday, Aug. 19, 2023. (AP Photo/Jed Jacobsohn)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Chargers in Santa Clara, Calif., Friday, Aug. 25, 2023. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) jogs on the field before the second half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Monday, Oct. 23, 2023, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
San Francisco 49ers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) makes a pass during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 7, 2024 in Santa Clara, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Colton McKivitz (68) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) react during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, January 7, 2024 in Santa Clara, Calif. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
Minnesota Vikings quarter back Sam Darnold jogs on to the field during NFL football training camp in Eagan, Minn., Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold drops back to throw during NFL football training camp in Eagan, Minn., Wednesday, July 24, 2024. (AP Photo/Craig Lassig)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs through drills before an NFL preseason football game with the Las Vegas Raiders, Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws against the Las Vegas Raiders during the first half of an NFL football game Saturday, Aug. 10, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Charlie Neibergall)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Pamela Smith)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) gestures during an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Vikings defeated the Giants 28-6. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Giants, Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass the ball during an NFL football game against the New York Giants Sunday, Sept. 8, 2024, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Adam Hunger)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) sets up a play during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 23-17. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a 97-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Justin Jefferson during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) scrambles with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 23-17. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) scrambles up field during the first half of an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold warms up before an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass over Houston Texans linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair (0) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) acknowledges fans following an NFL football game against the Houston Texans, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 34-7. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs on the field during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes during an NFL football game between the Green Bay Packers and Minnesota Vikings Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Matt Ludtke)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs the ball past a Green Bay Packers defender during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Mike Roemer)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) signals during a NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Jeffrey Phelps
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is introduced before an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. (AP Photo/Ian Walton)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs onto the field prior to an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Sunday, October 6, 2024 in London, England. (Sean Ryan via AP)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks on prior to an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Sunday, October 6, 2024 in London, England. (Sean Ryan via AP)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold looks to hand off during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024, at the Tottenham Hotspur stadium in London. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates after a touchdown against the New York Jets during an NFL football game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 6, 2024 in London. The Minnesota Vikings defeated the New York Jets 23-17. (AP Photo/Steve Luciano)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) calls a play during an NFL football game against the New York Jets on Sunday, October 6, 2024 in London, England. (Sean Ryan via AP)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes against the Detroit Lions in the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs with the football during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) scrambles while pressured by Los Angeles Rams linebacker Byron Young (0) during the first half of an NFL football game Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass over Indianapolis Colts cornerback Samuel Womack III (33) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 3, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Ellen Schmidt)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass as Jacksonville Jaguars defensive end Arik Armstead (91) rushes during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2024, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/John Amis)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) plays during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates following an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans , Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Stew Milne)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold runs off the field after an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans, Sunday, Nov. 17, 2024, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/George Walker IV)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass the ball against the Chicago Bears during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago. The Vikings won in overtime 30-27. (AP Photo/Kamil Krzaczynski)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) calls a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Nov. 24, 2024, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes the ball during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Sunday, Dec. 1, 2024 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 23-22. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold talks with fans before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 42-21. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) scrambles with the ball during the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 42-21. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) reacts after a play against the Atlanta Falcons during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 42-21. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) smiles on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2024 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 42-21. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold warms up before an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass during the second half of an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Monday, Dec. 16, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Abbie Parr)
Minnesota Vikings, from left, quarterback Nick Mullens, quarterback Sam Darnold and quarterback Brett Rypien are pictrured before an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Seattle. The Vikings won 27-24. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and offensive lineman Garrett Bradbury (56) signal before the snap during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Seattle. The Vikings won 27-24. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) and quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrate after a 5-yard touchdown catch by teammate wide receiver Jordan Addison (3) during the first half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Seattle. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold passes the ball during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Seattle. The Vikings won 27-24. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold scrambles during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Seattle. The Vikings won 27-24. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) and Seattle Seahawks defensive end Leonard Williams (99) embrace after an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2024, in Seattle. The Vikings won 27-24. (AP Photo/Lindsey Wasson)
Minnesota Vikings' Sam Darnold warms up before an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings' Sam Darnold throws during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Green Bay Packers, Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in Minneapolis. Minnesota won 27-25. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) smiles while leaving the field after winning 27-25 against the Green Bay Packers following an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 29, 2024 in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Stacy Bengs)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws against the Detroit Lions under pressure during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold looks to pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field in Detroit Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to as he is pressured by Detroit Lions defensive end Josh Paschal (93) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass under pressure from Detroit Lions linebacker Jack Campbell (46) and safety Brian Branch (32) during an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) calls a play during the second half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rey Del Rio)
Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws as Los Angeles Rams safety Quentin Lake (37) defends during the second half of an NFL wild card playoff football game, Monday, Jan. 13, 2025, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Rick Scuteri)
NFC quarterback Sam Darnold (14) competes in Passing the Test during the Skills Competition, Thursday, Jan. 30, 2025 in Orlando, Fla. (AP Photo/Vera Nieuwenhuis)
NFC quarterbacks Baker Mayfield, of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, left to right, Sam Darnold, of the Minnesota Vikings, and Jared Goff, of the Detroit Lions, are photographed prior to the flag football event at the NFL Pro Bowl, Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, in Orlando. (AP Photo/John Raoux)
NFC quarterback Sam Darnold (14), of the Minnesota Vikings, passes against the AFC during the flag football event at the NFL Pro Bowl Games on Sunday, February 2, 2025, in Orlando, Fla. (Doug Benc/AP Images for NFL)
