Sam Darnold redeems himself with the Seahawks after his missteps with the 49ers and the Vikings

 

Sam Darnold redeems himself with the Seahawks after setbacks with the 49ers and Vikings

After an uneven journey that included short and often unconvincing stints with the San Francisco 49ers and the Minnesota Vikings, Sam Darnold has finally found stability and confidence with the Seattle Seahawks. Once labeled as an inconsistent quarterback, Darnold has reshaped the narrative of his career in Seattle by delivering composed performances, protecting the football, and stepping up in crucial moments.

Within a system that suits his strengths, Darnold has shown improved decision-making and leadership, earning the trust of teammates and coaches alike. His resurgence with the Seahawks stands in sharp contrast to his earlier struggles, marking one of the most notable redemption stories in recent NFL seasons.

As he gears up for the game against the New England Patriots at Levi's Stadium, Darnold has finally silenced the critics who labeled him a "bust" during his previous years with the Jets, Panthers, and more recently, his transitional stints with the San Francisco 49ers and Minnesota Vikings.

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A journey full of lessons

To understand the magnitude of Darnold's success in Seattle, one must look at the "missteps" that defined his past. After being discarded by the Jets and Panthers, Darnold spent the 2023 season as a backup for the 49ers. While he did not enjoy much field time, he often credits that year under Kyle Shanahan as the moment he "relearned the game."

However, it was his 2024-2025 season with the Minnesota Vikings that served as the ultimate trial for his upcoming evolution. Signed to bridge the gap for rookie J.J. McCarthy, Darnold showed flashes of brilliance but struggled with the same turnover issues that had plagued his early career. When the Vikings moved on, many league insiders believed Darnold's time as a starter was over. But they were far from right.

The Seattle transformation for Darnold

When the Seahawks went for Darnold in the 2025 offseason, the move was met witha lot of skepticism from the media and fans in the Pacific Northwest. But under a coaching staff that prioritized his mobility and quick-release mechanics, Darnold finally flourished.

During the 2025-2026 season, he posted career highs in: Completion percentage (68.4%), touchdown-to-interception ratio (32 TDs to 9 INTs) and rushing yards (412).