For years, NFL followers and analysts talked about Sam Darnold as a bust.
The quarterback didn’t look good in his first couple of years within the league, struggling to ascertain himself with the New York Jets.
Now, after bouncing across the league, he’s lastly residing as much as expectations.
Coming off a really profitable marketing campaign with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, Darnold has been the most effective quarterbacks within the league this season with the Seattle Seahawks.
Sam Darnold presently has the very best big-time throw fee (7.7%) and lowest turnover-worthy (1.1%) play fee of all beginning QBs per PFF
good combo
— Mike Renner (@mikerenner_) October 16, 2025
Darnold’s renaissance might have began earlier than his time with Minnesota.
He confirmed glimpses of robust play throughout his temporary tenure with the Carolina Panthers, and he even beat out Baker Mayfield for that beginning job.
Then, he was the backup to Brock Purdy for the San Francisco 49ers, and people days with head coach Kyle Shanahan look to have labored wonders for him.
Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell then trusted him to steer his group after it misplaced J.J. McCarthy for the season, and it was evident that Darnold was a distinct quarterback than he was in New York.
That bought him a really profitable contract with the Seahawks, giving him an opportunity to run his personal group because the unquestioned QB1 for the primary time since his early days.
It simply goes to show that it’s by no means smart to surrender on a struggling however proficient quarterback.
Typically, they simply have to land in the appropriate spot to lastly stay as much as their potential.
NEXT: Sam Darnold Will get Notable Recognition For Week 6 Efficiency
