The 2024 Seattle Seahawks became the first ten-win team to miss the postseason since the NFL switched to a 17-game format. Following the season, the franchise decided to overhaul its offense as it released wide receiver Tyler Lockett and traded quarterback Geno Smith and wide receiver DK Metcalf.
The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract, which includes $55 million in guarantees, to replace Smith. They gave Cooper Kupp a three-year, $45 million deal, including $17.5 million guaranteed, to pair with Jaxon Smith-Njigba as their new wide receiver duo.
Seattle will look to win what figures to be a competitive NFC West for the first time since 2020, and much of that will come down to whether or not Darnold is an improvement over Smith. A recent poll conducted by The Athletic ranked Darnold just underneath his predecessor, as he was tied for the 20th-best quarterback in the NFL.
Seahawks QB Sam Darnold compared to Geno Smith in recent poll
Smith had a strong final season in Seattle as he threw for 4,320 yards and completed 70.4 percent of his pass attempts. He did, however, throw 15 interceptions compared to just 21 touchdowns.
Meanwhile, Darnold had the best season of his career in his lone season with the Minnesota Vikings. He threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions while completing 66.2 percent of his pass attempts. He also earned Pro Bowl honors for the first time.
During the latest poll from The Athletic, the panel had mixed reviews on the Seahawks' offseason quarterback change.
One offensive coordinator claimed that Smith has the edge due to his play in clutch moments, stating, "I think Geno operates at a higher level, especially in critical moments. Sam's two-minute stuff versus Geno's two-minute stuff, that is where Geno separates himself."
Another member of the panel suggested that it comes down to the team around the two players:
Another member of the panel suggested that it comes down to the team around the two players, "Sam, when you put the pieces around him, has a higher ceiling. This is wild to say, but Geno is maybe better if your team is bad. Sam is better if your team is good. Geno can look great, and you can win a game you should not win, but you are also going to lose two or three against teams that are the same as you because he throws a pick in the end zone, plays blind, doesn't see it."
While Darnold tied with Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix as the 20th-best player at the position, the panel had Smith rated just above as he finished 19th. One voter revealed that the way Darnold finished the season left a bad taste.
The Seahawks' newest quarterback has faced plenty of questions about whether his success was a product of the Vikings' strong offensive line and weapons. An executive suggested that Darnold will only start one year before Seattle turns things over to Jalen Milroe.