In 2012, the Seattle Seahawks signed quarterback Matt Flynn to a three-year deal worth up to $26 million. $9 million was guaranteed. The quarterback had been a backup to Aaron Rodgers since he entered the league in 2008 and was not going to have a chance at starting for the Green Bay Packers. He did have one good game for Green Bay in 2011, though, and Seattle thought they had seen enough.
To be sure, there was no clear answer to who was going to be Seattle's long-term quarterback in 2012. The hope was that Flynn could turn into that when he was signed in free agency, but there was certainly no guarantee. The same year he signed as a free agent, the Seahawks chose Russell Wilson in the third round of the NFL draft. Flynn was 26 years old when he signed with Seattle.
Flash-forward to 2025. Seattle has traded Geno Smith and needed a new QB1. Backup Sam Howell was awful in limited time in 2024, and he did not seemingly have any chance of becoming QB1. Seattle instead chose to sign Sam Darnold in free agency, and the team signed him to a three-year deal. That was the same length of time for Flynn's contract, too.
Could Sam Darnold be the Seattle Seahawks new Matt Flynn?
Of course, unlike Flynn, Darnold had a lot more starting experience, but he only had one season as a starting quarterback. Flynn only had one good game. Both Flynn and Darnold were leaving teams who had excellent offensive systems in place, however, and Seattle was hoping the quarterbacks could transition easily to the Seahawks.
Flynn didn't have a chance. Wilson beat him out to be the starter in training camp, and he held that spot through 2021. He turned out to be the best quarterback in franchise history. In the draft, though, he was seen as too short to become a viable option by most teams. They were wrong.
There is certainly no guarantee that Darnold will be good in Seattle. He bounced around the league before getting a chance with the Vikings, but Minnesota also had receiving talents such as Justin Jefferson to throw to. Darnold has a good arm, but he also makes questionable throws. With less talent around him, can he be just as good? No one knows, but general manager John Schneider hopes.
Seattle's true long-term might not be the 27-year-old Darnold. While Seattle is not going to choose a quarterback in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft (one would assume), taking one in the second or third round is not out of the question. Seattle has two second-round choices and two third-round picks currently. One of those being used on a quarterback would not be shocking.
If Schneider thinks there is a quarterback worth taking a chance on (Jaxson Dart, if he is still available, or Jalen Milroe), he might take the QB. Seattle has only chosen two quarterbacks in the draft since 2012, and one was Wilson. Milroe or Dart could be the new Wilson.
Like in 2012, Seattle seemingly has the defense in place to win games and needs an offense that doesn't turn the ball over. A rookie quarterback would be hemmed in a bit and simply tasked with not forcing interceptions or fumbling. The similarities between now and 13 years ago are abundant. Maybe Seattle will find its new Russell Wilson in the 2025 draft.
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