Seahawks' Updated Depth Chart After Sam Darnold's Reported $100.5M Free-Agent Contract

The Seattle Seahawks roster looks drastically different now than it did at the end of the regular season, and one of the biggest changes will come under center.

After trading Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, Seattle landed arguably the top quarterback on the free-agent market in Sam Darnold, who inked a three-year, $100.5 million contract on Monday.

The Seahawks had $67.47 million in cap space before signing Darnold, per Spotrac, and will owe the quarterback $33.5 million per year over the next three seasons.

Though Darnold will more than likely be the starter, Seattle has Sam Howell and Jaren Hall behind him if needed. With DK Metcalf now a Pittsburgh Steeler and Tyler Lockett released to free agency, Darnold's main targets as of now will be Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Dareke Young and Jake Bobo. He will also have Noah Fant as a tight end option.

Darnold had a breakout year with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns along with 212 yards and a touchdown on the ground. He helped lead the Vikings to a 14-3 record behind the outstanding season, which earned him his first Pro Bowl nod.

While it was a mostly good year, Darnold struggled in the final moments of the season as the Vikings were walloped by the Detroit Lions in Week 18 and sent home by the Los Angeles Rams in the wild-card round.

Still, Darnold was widely considered one of the best quarterbacks in a free agency class highlighted by Russell Wilson, Aaron Rodgers and Justin Fields.

Now Darnold will be tasked with piloting a team that has mostly struggled over the last few seasons and just parted ways with its second and third-leading receivers from last year. Luckily for Darnold, he has a reliable pass catcher in Smith-Njigba, who tallied 1,130 yards and six touchdowns in his second NFL season.

The Seahawks will look for Smith-Njigba to take another leap in Year 3 while playing alongside Darnold.

Seattle also has the chance to add some talent in this year's draft. Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department projects the Seahawks to take North Dakota State offensive lineman Grey Zabel with their No. 18 pick in the latest mock draft. The latest mock draft also has Seattle taking receiver Jayden Higgins later on with the No. 82 pick.

With a decent amount of cap space, the Seahawks can also continue adding talent through free agency this offseason.