In December, Sam Darnold was leading the Vikings offense on a game-winning drive over the Seahawks at Lumen Field.
But things can change quickly in the NFL, and in less than three months, Darnold was sitting next to his new head coach, Mike Macdonald, being introduced as the Seahawks’ new quarterback.
The Seahawks signed Darnold, who earned Pro-Bowl honors while leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record last season, this week after making the decision to trade quarterback Geno Smith, creating an opening at the game’s most important position.
“This is exciting times. It’s been a whirlwind couple weeks here, as you guys have well documented,” Macdonald said. “… Obviously gone against him in my career and here last year at Lumen (Field) against the Vikings. First of all, he’s just a tremendous human being. A great leader. We have a lot of people in our building that have a history with Sam that have a lot of respect for him as a person, as a leader, as a football player. I’m really excited to get our relationship started and getting to introduce himself to the rest of the team and the city and the 12s. I think we are going to be really proud of our quarterback here. Then, obviously, as a football player and a quarterback, just a heck of a player. Just tough as nails from my opinion. You go through all the talent, we can talk about that until we are blue in the face. But just really excited about what Sam is going to bring to our football team and just an exciting time.”
Darnold, who had a career-best year with the Vikings in 2024, knew he’d have options in free agency this year, and once he got word about the Seahawks trading Smith, Darnold saw Seattle as a good fit, not only because he’s joining a team coming off a 10-win season, but also because of the familiarity he has with offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, having worked with him when the two were with the 49ers in 2023.
“First and foremost, I’m excited to be here,” Darnold said. “Excited to get to know this organization… Excited to meet my teammates. I’ve met a couple of the new ones already. You know, D-Law (DeMarcus Lawrence), Josh (Jones), just very, very excited to get to meet everyone. And just about this organization. I’ve heard so many good things about this organization from different guys that have played here, retired, and still playing in the league. You hear nothing but great things about this organization, and man, I’m just so…
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