NFL Exec: Seattle Seahawks 'Right for' Sam Darnold Because It's 'Far Away' from Jets

After signing with the Seattle Seahawks following his resurgent 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings, quarterback Sam Darnold is expected to thrive in a new environment once again.

An NFL executive told The Athletic's Mike Sando that they feel Darnold has overcome so much from the early part of his career with the New York Jets and it will make him a perfect fit for the Seahawks.

"That city (Seattle) is right for Darnold, far away from everything he dealt with on the Jets," the exec said. "It will be similar to Minnesota with the run and play-action stuff, but they won’t have a Justin Jefferson. You still have to throw it on third down when you are behind or in two-minute, which could be up and down for him."

Darnold was drafted third overall by the Jets in 2018 and endured three tumultuous seasons in New York before being traded to the Carolina Panthers. After two years with the Panthers and a one-year stint with the San Francisco 49ers, he landed with the Vikings and earned his first career Pro Bowl selection after throwing for career highs of 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns.

By joining the Seahawks, Darnold is being reunited with former 49ers pass game coordinator Klint Kubiak, who was hired as Seattle's new offensive coordinator. Their familiarity with one another should make it an easy transition for Darnold as he continues his upward trajectory following his early-career struggles.