Sam Darnold Finds a Perfect Fit in Seattle: Free Agency, Mutual Interest, and a Celebration of Skilled Trades

For Sam Darnold, the 2024 NFL free agency period marked a significant turning point in his career. After a season with the Minnesota Vikings that saw him achieve career-best performance, despite a disappointing playoff exit, Darnold entered free agency with the rare opportunity to choose his destination as a potential starting quarterback. The question wasn’t if he would receive a substantial contract, but where he would sign.

Navigating free agency is a complex process for any professional athlete, involving numerous personal and professional considerations. For Darnold, the landscape shifted dramatically when the Seattle Seahawks traded their veteran quarterback, Geno Smith, to the Las Vegas Raiders. This move immediately sparked speculation: could Darnold be Seattle-bound?

Darnold himself admitted to contemplating the possibility alongside his agents at Creative Artists Agency. He recounted to Fox News Digital, while partnering with the Lowes Foundation for SkillsUSA National Signing Day, "I was looking at my free agent options and talking with my agent about it, and then all of a sudden, we hear the news that Geno [Smith] was getting traded. And that was kind of like, ‘OK, Seattle could be a potential spot.’"

The mutual interest between Darnold and the Seahawks proved to be a crucial factor in his decision. Knowing that a team genuinely wanted him, and offered the opportunity to make a significant contribution, resonated deeply with the quarterback. As Darnold explained, "When I just found out about the mutual interest that both sides had in getting a deal done, that was something that was really important for me. Having somebody that also wanted me there, and to be able to have an impact as best I can. Seeing mutual interest is a main factor, but then it comes down to whether or not the player, especially a quarterback, can be successful."

Beyond the desire to be wanted, Darnold carefully evaluated the Seahawks’ potential for success. The team, under the leadership of new head coach Mike Macdonald, coming from the Baltimore Ravens, had narrowly missed the playoffs with a 10-7 record in Macdonald’s first year. This performance demonstrated the team’s potential and stability.

Darnold’s own experience facing the Seahawks further solidified his interest. In a game where his Vikings secured a 27-24 victory, he witnessed firsthand the team’s formidable talent on both sides of the ball. "There’s great players on defense, great players on offense. I feel like Coach Macdonald’s scheme on defense was really hard to go against last year, and I know coach Klint Kubiak," Darnold stated. He emphasized his familiarity with Kubiak’s system from their time together in San Francisco in 2023, further contributing to his comfort level with the Seahawks. "I know him from 2023 in San Francisco, when we made that run there, so I’m pretty familiar with the system. I think all those factors combined was really the reason I fell in love with the decision to come to Seattle, and, man, I couldn’t be more excited about it."

Team chemistry and culture are always paramount considerations for free agents, and Darnold was particularly impressed by what he observed in Seattle. "Being here for the last few weeks, it’s been amazing being able to meet some of my teammates and some of the coaches," he shared. He drew parallels to his positive experience in Minnesota, emphasizing the importance of the people within the organization. "And like I referenced with Minnesota, just meeting some of the people in the building. It’s just a special place, because you hear about it in the league. You hear about the good spots, the bad spots, the spots in between. Seattle was always a place that guys love going to. They love the energy, they love the environment, and it really did exceed all my expectations. I’m so happy to be here."

While settling into his new team and city, Darnold also took the time to support the next generation of skilled trade workers. He participated in Lowe’s Seattle store ceremony for SkillsUSA National Signing Day, an event designed to celebrate students pursuing careers as electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and builders. The event mirrored the excitement of athletic signing days, highlighting the importance and value of these essential professions.

Lowe’s provided a "blue carpet" experience for the students, who were surprised by the presence of Seattle’s newest quarterback. This initiative resonated deeply with Darnold, whose father, Mike, has worked as a plumber for over three decades. "It was unbelievable," Darnold said, reflecting on the experience. "I’ve seen the hard work that he put in his entire life to it. So, just being able to see these kids and see the hard work they’ve already put in, get to meet them and talk to them about the path that they’re headed, and just how passionate they are about it."

Darnold emphasized the growing need for skilled tradespeople and the significant impact they have on their communities. "I think there’s so many more opportunities out there in the skill trades world, and me and my dad have talked about it, how there’s not a lot of kids doing that anymore. It’s a special opportunity for kids to impact their communities in ways they probably don’t even know they’re going to."

Recent data from ADP indicates a slight increase in the number of young workers entering blue-collar jobs, with nearly one in five workers aged 20-24 employed in these fields as of May 2023. While this represents a 2% rise since 2019, the United States continues to face a shortage of construction workers, estimated at approximately 439,000.

Darnold’s enthusiasm for his new team, combined with his dedication to supporting skilled trades, paints a picture of a player eager to contribute both on and off the field in Seattle. His free agency journey led him to a team where he feels wanted, valued, and poised to succeed, while his commitment to initiatives like SkillsUSA National Signing Day demonstrates a desire to make a positive impact beyond the gridiron.