Shortly after it was reported in March that quarterback Sam Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5M contract with the Seattle Seahawks, analysts pointed out that the team could escape the deal as soon as next offseason. For a piece published on Friday, ESPN NFL insider Dan Graziano provided more information on how the Seahawks protected themselves while acquiring a new QB1 for at least the upcoming season. “The Seahawks have a longstanding policy of not guaranteeing any money in veteran contracts outside of the first year,” Graziano explained. “So Darnold’s full guarantee consists of his $32M signing bonus, his $5.3M 2025 salary and his $200,000 workout bonus. That’s it. If the Seahawks want to walk away after this season, they’d owe him no more than that $37.5M.” Darnold seemed on track to earn a massive contract in free agency after he won 14 of his first 16 starts with the Minnesota Vikings last season. However, he then completed 18-of-41 passes for 166 yards with no touchdowns in Minnesota’s Week 18 game
