Seahawks Sign Sam Darnold: The Young QB They Need, But Can He Succeed Without Support?

The Seattle Seahawks have officially found their replacement for Geno Smith, signing former Jet and Panther Sam Darnold to a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million contract, with $55 million guaranteed, according to reports. This positioning comes as a calculated move given Darnold's track record, which, while inconsistent, includes bursts of impressive performance.

At first glance, Darnold's contract mirrors the deal Baker Mayfield made with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last offseason. However, considering the increased salary cap, it appears as a strategic upgrade compared to the three-year, $75 million deal that Smith had after a successful 2022 season.

The Seahawks are reeling in Darnold at a bargain compared to other quarterbacks on the market. In fact, based on average yearly salary, he stands among the most cost-effective options available, potentially saving the team between $7 million and $12 million per year compared to what Smith might receive if he extended with the Raiders.

Darnold's potential shines brightest when looking at his statistics. Last season, he displayed impressive figures, boasting the sixth-best touchdown rate in the league at 6.4%, trailing only Joe Burrow. This suggests that when given the right support and opportunity, Darnold can deliver significant results—a template the Seahawks must replicate.

However, merely acquiring a promising quarterback will not suffice. For Darnold to thrive, he needs a capable offensive line, similar to what he had during his recent tenure. Notably, Seattle is reportedly signing former Ravens lineman Josh Jones for up to $4.75 million, another step in their attempt to bolster the offensive front. Jones brings versatility as he has experience at both guard and tackle, and will help replace George Fant, recently released for cap space.

Despite this new addition, Seattle must aggressively pursue further reinforcements in the offensive line. The first wave of free agency highlighted the fierce competition for quality linemen, as several teams, including the Chicago Bears, made significant moves to fortify their protection schemes, spending hefty sums on talents like All-Pro guard Joe Thuney. Seattle's general manager, John Schneider, has been cautious about making such financial commitments but must adapt to the evolving market to protect Darnold effectively.

Additionally, as free agency progresses, notable guard options remain available, and the Seahawks must act swiftly. Talents like Will Fries, known for capability due to his high ranking even after a challenging season, and former Pro Bowlers like Brandon Scherff and Kevin Zeitler could offer immediate solutions. However, the concern remains that these veteran solutions might only serve as temporary fixes rather than long-term answers.

Wide receivers are another area of concern for the Seahawks. After stabilizing the offensive line, they should explore options such as Demarcus Robinson or even a potential trade for Cooper Kupp, especially with former Rams coach Jake Peetz now in their ranks.

Moreover, with recent reports suggesting the potential release of veteran fullback Kyle Juszczyk, the Seahawks could find themselves in a unique position to bolster their run game, a key aspect in ensuring Darnold is not overwhelmed by defenses like he experienced in last season’s playoffs against the Rams.

Ultimately, Seattle's decision to switch to Darnold over Smith must lead to a diligent focus on reassigning resources towards creating a robust offensive unit. As their young quarterback steps into a pivotal moment in his career, the team’s commitment to safeguarding him will be the real test of whether this change will bear fruit or merely add another chapter of challenges for the franchise.