The Seattle Seahawks are betting big on Sam Darnold following in Baker Mayfield’s footsteps in a sustainable late-career turnaround.
Monday, the Seahawks and Darnold agreed to terms on a three-year contract worth upwards of $100 million, mirroring Mayfield’s deal with the Buccaneers, and Seattle is hoping that the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft is much more the passer from the first 15 games last season than his last two performances against the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams.
While Darnold reached the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career last season, his final two games were plagued by 11 sacks, one interception, and two consecutive losses ending the Vikings’ season in the NFC Divisional round one week after being drubbed by the Detroit Lions with the NFC North crown at stake.
Not everyone is convinced that Darnold is going to be able to shake off his demons of being turnover prone and significantly impacted by pressure.
“Seattle is changing coordinators,” an NFL general manager tells me of Darnold heading to Seattle. “And going to a wide-zone and play-action, 49ers-type scheme. Sam’s had exposure to it in San Francisco, and with the Los Angeles Rams, and to an extent with Minnesota last season.
“Sam goes to the West Coast, which is great for him, because he’s been through the wringer. Seattle’s offensive line is decent, but will need a wide receiver overhaul. He’ll be okay, bottom-third of the league starter, because his turnovers will travel.”
Whether Darnold can cut down on his turnovers, after tossing just 12 interceptions last season but now up to 68 through the first seven seasons of his career, will go a long way toward whether Seattle will have success with him behind center.
The Seahawks finished as Pro Football Focus’ No. 31 ranked offensive line after allowing 50 sacks last season, so fortifying the line will be critical towards setting Darnold up for success, especially after trading dynamic wide receiver DK Metcalf to the Pittsburgh Steelers over the weekend.
Seattle is banking on Darnold being more the player who led the Vikings to the postseason than the quarterback who wilted under the pressure in the biggest moments of Minnesota’s season. The Seahawks will need to do their part in adding help along the offensive line and at receiver, but this is going to be a fascinating scheme fit to watch unfold.
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