NFL rosters change every offseason, but the start of the new league year has brought some particularly big changes for the Seahawks.
Last week, the Seahawks made several salary-cap related moves ahead of free agency, including the decision to release Tyler Lockett, one of the best receivers in franchise history. Then over the weekend, reports emerged that the Seahawks were trading quarterback Geno Smith to Las Vegas and DK Metcalf to Pittsburgh, trades that became official Thursday.
With Smith moving on, the Seahawks quickly pivoted, signing Pro Bowl quarterback Sam Darnold, one of several free-agent additions made this week. With so much happening this week, Seahawks general manager and president of football operations John Schneider met with the media Thursday to discuss the recent moves.
Schneider on the decision to trade Geno Smith and the pivot to Sam Darnold.
The Seahawks went into the offseason thinking they would have a chance to sign Smith, who was headed into the final year of his contract, to an extension. But when negotiations stalled out, Schneider recognized that a deal wasn't going to get done and quickly pivoted to making a trade and signing Darnold, who was coming off a breakout season in Minnesota.
"We made an offer to Geno, tried to extend him," Schneider said. "It became apparent that we weren't going to be able to get a deal done. It wasn't a very long negotiation, so as a staff, we had to be prepared to pivot. We had sat down with the offensive staff, and obviously the personnel guys were on it before, always having a contingency plan. We had some guys we were interested in, made the trade, and were able to get the guy at the top of the list, which doesn't happen all the time."
While things didn't work out to extend Smith, the Seahawks knew they needed to have a good plan at quarterback if they were going to make a trade, and that quickly came together this week when they were able to start negotiating with Darnold.
"It worked out great," Schneider said. "Having (offensive coordinator) Klint (Kubiak) with him, having the background with him, and all of the connections we have around the league with guys that have coached him, Scott Fitterer and Dan (Morgan) being with him in Carolina as well, talking about the character. And how much we studied him over the years, watching his growth. And personally being able to be around guys that have kind of hit it later in their careers like Rich Gannon and Matt Hasselbeck and Geno as of late, you watch that progression, you watch the work ethic, the character of the person, the scheme fits, and it worked out perfectly.
"Guys that have that experience, go through tough times, and then overcome it, those are the guys you want to cling onto."
Schneider on the DK Metcalf trade.
Like Smith, Metcalf had one year left on his contract, making this the offseason when an extension was up for discussion, but before things progressed to the point of getting that done, Metcalf asked for a trade and the Seahawks honored that request.
"There were discussions, DK and I were having a lot of personal discussions," Schneider said. "I thought we could fix it, handle it, whatever it was, and at the end of the day, it was a no and he wanted to be traded. So we pivoted and moved forward. We want guys who want to be here, we want guys that believe in what we're doing, and for whatever reason or another, he just wanted to move on and get a fresh start."
Schneider on Tyler Lockett "One of my all-time favorite players."
While the Metcalf and Smith trades happened rather quickly, the decision to release Lockett was one that Schneider had been discussing with the veteran receiver for a while.
"Tyler and I had talked a long time ago about what's happening there," Schneider said. "One of my all-time favorites, obviously. He's going in the Ring of Honor, just a phenomenal person."
Having five picks in the top 92 "is huge for us."
Following the trades of Smith and Metcalf, the Seahawks now hold 10 draft picks, including five in the first 92 picks. So while the attention is all on free agency right now, the Seahawks are also looking forward to what they can add to the team in next month's draft.
"It's big for us, because throughout free agency, you're either in it or you're not, you're moving around all the time, and with the draft, it's there, you kind of know what the map looks like," Schneider said. "Now it's about figuring those guys out and knowing where you can head. So having five picks in the first 92 is huge for us."
Schneider's thoughts on this week's free-agent signings.
In addition to Darnold, the Seahawks also signed three other players on Thursday, veteran defensive end DeMarcus Lawrence, receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling and offensive lineman Josh Jones.
Lawrence, a four-time Pro-Bowler, missed most of last season with a foot injury, but made back-to-back Pro Bowls in 2022 and 2023 while working with Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde, who was previously Dallas' defensive line coach.
"He missed time last year, but the guy's a monster," Schneider said. "He plays super hard, he's a two-phase player, run and pass. Great leader, obviously AD's relationship with him… To have that background, and then you guys have seen how Mike and those guys move people around, so the scheme fit was natural. AD knew him, knows the person, knows the competitor, and the guy loves football, he plays really hard and he's extremely disruptive."
Valdes-Scantling, meanwhile, provides a big-play threat—he averaged 22.6 yards per catch in Klint Kubiak's New Orleans offense last year—an important addition to the offense after trading Metcalf.
"MVS is big for us, being able to take the top off (an offense) after losing DK, so that became a priority for us," Schneider said.
Jones, who has experience playing every spot on the offensive line other than center, gives the Seahawks a solid swing tackle option after releasing George Fant and seeing Stone Forsythe leave in free agency.
"The ability to get Josh as a swing tackle was huge for us," Schneider said.
Big changes don't change expectations.
While the Seahawks did move on from three very good players in Smith, Metcalf and Lockett, those moves are not a sign that they're expecting to take a step back or rebuild or do anything other than competing for a championship. That was evident in the decisions to re-sign Ernest Jones IV and Jarran Reed, as well as in the signings this week, led by the addition of the top free-agent quarterback in Darnold.
"It's competing," Schneider said when asked about the perception some might have that the team is rebuilding. "I sound like Pete (Carroll) right there, but it's the truth. We're competing in every aspect of what we're doing every single day. We're not saying this player is better than that player, it's all this huge piece with salaries and scheme fits and people wanting to be here and people not wanting to be here. So you just have to be able to continue to pivot. We didn't just make those moves to chill, we're going for it, we're fighting every day."
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)
