Super Bowl Victory Won't Shield Sam Darnold from Immediate Cuts: Seahawks' Super Bowl Run Could be QB's Last Stand with Seattle
The Seattle Seahawks took a bold gamble by signing quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal just before the 2025 season. The move has paid off handsomely so far, as Darnold led the team to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California, and threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions during the regular season.
However, with two seasons remaining on his deal, Seahawks general manager John Schneider is facing a daunting decision: should he extend Darnold's contract or cut him loose? The early trigger date on Darnold's $15 million roster bonus for 2026 has created an artificial timeline for Seattle to make a move. If they fail to decide on Darnold before February 13, they'll owe him no more money.
Experts believe it's a "no-brainer" for the Seahawks to keep Darnold and pay him $27.5 million to continue playing quarterback in 2026. However, Schneider's track record suggests that extending contracts with two years left on them is unlikely. The question now is whether Seattle will buck its trend and give Darnold another extension or if he'll be released after the Super Bowl.
Darnold made out like a bandit this season, earning $32 million in his signing bonus and an additional $8.5 million in salary and bonuses. He also earned $3 million in incentives and could earn another $1 million if Seattle beats the Patriots on Sunday. Despite his impressive numbers, Darnold's future with the Seahawks remains uncertain.
The Seattle Seahawks took a bold gamble by signing quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal just before the 2025 season. The move has paid off handsomely so far, as Darnold led the team to the Super Bowl in Santa Clara, California, and threw for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions during the regular season.
However, with two seasons remaining on his deal, Seahawks general manager John Schneider is facing a daunting decision: should he extend Darnold's contract or cut him loose? The early trigger date on Darnold's $15 million roster bonus for 2026 has created an artificial timeline for Seattle to make a move. If they fail to decide on Darnold before February 13, they'll owe him no more money.
Experts believe it's a "no-brainer" for the Seahawks to keep Darnold and pay him $27.5 million to continue playing quarterback in 2026. However, Schneider's track record suggests that extending contracts with two years left on them is unlikely. The question now is whether Seattle will buck its trend and give Darnold another extension or if he'll be released after the Super Bowl.
Darnold made out like a bandit this season, earning $32 million in his signing bonus and an additional $8.5 million in salary and bonuses. He also earned $3 million in incentives and could earn another $1 million if Seattle beats the Patriots on Sunday. Despite his impressive numbers, Darnold's future with the Seahawks remains uncertain.
with them! You'd think that would be worth another shot at the end of his contract 
. I mean, I get it, contracts can be crazy and all that jazz, but 2 more years isn't too much to ask, right? 
, but let's get real for a sec... He's been riding on the coattails of that Seahawks defense all year long 
. The guy's been making bank since day one, and if he doesn't want to stay in Seattle anymore, why should we? 
It'd be a bold move for the Seahawks to cut him loose after everything they've invested in him, but I think it's a possibility 
. Darnold's gonna have to prove himself all over again somewhere else if he wants to keep his spot as starter 
.
he's got that magic arm and everything! but for real tho, has anyone thought about what's gonna happen after this season? he's signed to a 3yr deal but i dont see it playin out that way. the seahawks gotta make a tough decision either way - keep him or cut him loose 
maybe they should just give him some time to prove himself more? 
. But at the same time, if Schneider doesn't extend his deal, Darnold could be singing a different tune... like 'I'm outta here!' 
! But let's get real, Sam Darnold's gonna be cut loose after this season no matter what 
, but it's also a ticking time bomb 
. He made out like a bandit in 2024, earning over $40 million, and if he doesn't perform next year, he's donezo 
. I'm saying 85% chance of Darnold being released after the Super Bowl, sadly 
.
!