FANTASY FOOTBALL NEWS

Could Sam Darnold Be One And Done In Seattle?

By Jared Smola | Updated on Tue, Mar 18 2025 9:46 PM UTC

QB Sam Darnold's contract with the Seahawks is officially for three years and $100.5 million. But Pro Football Talk reports that the deal is structured so that Seattle can cut ties after this season if it wants. Darnold's $37.5 million in 2025 is fully guaranteed, but his 2026 salary doesn't become guaranteed until a week after the Super Bowl.

2025 Fantasy Football Impact

It's a smart deal for the Seahawks considering how Darnold's career has gone so far. He was largely disappointing across his first six NFL seasons before the strong 2024 campaign. But last season ended with Darnold bombing in key games against the Lions in Week 18 and the Rams in the playoffs.

Turning 28 in June, Darnold's career could go in any direction from here. A strong 2025 under OC Klint Kubiak would likely lock him in as Seattle's starter for at least the following two seasons. But a disappointing year could have him settling for a backup job on the open market next offseason.

Dynasty Impact

Darnold is a volatile dynasty asset. That could make him a buy or a sell based on:

His price in your specific league.
Your team's situation. Win-now teams might be better off swapping Darnold for a more stable asset. Rebuilding teams might want to gamble on his upside (if he comes cheap enough).

Jared Smola, Lead Analyst

Jared has been with Draft Sharks since 2007. He’s now Lead Analyst, heading up the preseason and weekly projections that fuel your Draft War Room and My Team tools. He currently ranks sixth among 158 analysts in draft rankings accuracy.