Once considered a major draft bust due to underwhelming performances with the New York Jets, Sam Darnold seems poised for redemption as he joins the Seattle Seahawks in 2024. After delivering what many viewed as an MVP-caliber season with the Minnesota Vikings last year, Darnold earned a three-year contract, but questions remain about whether his strong showing was an anomaly or a sign of lasting improvement. The Seahawks and their fans will watch closely to see if Darnold can solidify his unexpected resurgence.
Analysts Keep a Close Eye on Darnold’s Ability to Sustain Success
The NFL has little patience for past accomplishments, demanding consistent, recent results. Sam Darnold’s history includes six seasons marred by mediocrity or worse, with only one standout year to change that narrative. Seth Trachtman of Yardbarker emphasizes the pressure on Darnold to demonstrate that his Minnesota breakout season was not just a one-time success. According to Trachtman,
“Darnold was considered a draft bust until his breakout season in Minnesota last year.”
He noted,
“With J.J. McCarthy rostered, Minnesota opted to move on anyway. The pressure is on Darnold to prove last season wasn’t a fluke now that he’s in Seattle.”
Despite this, Darnold’s situation in Seattle appears to be more challenging. He has lost the support of offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell and the sturdy Vikings offensive line that shielded him, especially during the earlier part of the 2023 campaign. Key receivers like Jordan Addison, TJ Hockenson, and Justin Jefferson, who provided reliable targets in Minnesota, are also absent. This less favorable environment raises concerns about whether Darnold can match or exceed his prior performance under tougher conditions.
Darnold’s Challenge to Overcome a Difficult Environment with Seahawks
Without the familiar offensive structure and weapons that paved the way for his previous success, Sam Darnold must rely on his own growth and adaptability to succeed with the Seahawks. The stakes are high as he attempts to extend his career beyond the question marks that have followed him since entering the NFL. His ability to prove his breakout season legitimate could define his trajectory moving forward, making him one of the league’s most intriguing storylines in 2024.