Should Seahawks make a play for NFL's top 2025 free agent quarterback?

Why the Seahawks should look into signing free-agent QB Sam Darnold this offseason

by: Matt Urben

Posted: Mar 4, 2025 / 10:42 AM PST

Updated: Mar 4, 2025 / 10:42 AM PST

The Seattle Seahawks have starting quarterback Geno Smith under contract for one more year, and while an extension is expected, there’s no guarantee a deal will come together before the season begins. Smith, 34, has performed better than anyone expected replacing Russell Wilson over the last three seasons.

The team would be wise to reward Smith with the extension he deserves, but loyalty doesn’t really exist in the NFL. If the Seahawks want to go in a different direction, there are a few decent options available in free agency.

Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold is likely to be the top signal-caller on the market. The former No. 3 overall pick is coming off an incredible 2024 campaign in which he passed for 4.319 yards, 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions.

According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Darnold is not expected to be tagged by Minnesota, meaning he’ll become an unrestricted free agent when the new league year begins on March 12.

Vikings QB Sam Darnold is unlikely to be franchise tagged ahead of Tuesday’s 4 pm ET deadline, per league sources.

Minnesota still is interested in working to re-sign Darnold, but it is likely to be without any tag. pic.twitter.com/wJLma2AIzs

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 4, 2025

Darnold, 27, thrived in Kevin O’Connell’s system last year after first-round pick J.J. McCarthy suffered a serious knee injury during the preseason. Despite Darnold’s dominant 2024 season, it sounds like the Vikings still think McCarthy is their future.

Over seven NFL seasons, Darnold has passed for 16,383 yards, 98 touchdowns and 68 interceptions. Prior to 2024, Darnold was perceived as a quality backup but probably not a starter. While the former Jets quarterback more than proved his doubters wrong, his play in the regular season finale and playoffs was sorely lacking.

Darnold and one of the NFL’s highest-powered offenses were held to nine points in a Week 18 showdown against the Detroit Lions. The following week, Minnesota managed just nine more points in a wild-card playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams.

Overall, Darnold made huge strides last season and should get paid a monster contract by some QB-needy team. Could the Seahawks make a play? It seems unlikely but crazier things have happened.

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