Quarterback Sam Darnold is set to start for the Seattle Seahawks as they face off against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 at Lumen Field. His recent career resurgence, sparked by a pivotal 2023 tenure with the 49ers, played a crucial role in his return to prominence and set the stage for his strong postseason performance with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
Contract and Career Revival Rooted in Time with 49ers
This offseason, Darnold secured a significant three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks, positioning him as the team’s franchise quarterback. Much of his improvement and renewed confidence can be traced back to his one-year stint with the 49ers, where he began the process of rebuilding his career amid difficult circumstances.
Reflecting on the Opportunity and Role with the 49ers
On The Richard Sherman Podcast, Darnold discussed his time in San Francisco, sharing that he believed there was a real possibility he could have started games for the team. This sense of potential opportunity influenced his decision to join the 49ers.
At the time of his signing, Brock Purdy was recuperating from major elbow surgery sustained during the previous season’s NFC Championship Game. Although Purdy was the established starter moving forward, Darnold was brought in on a one-year contract as a precaution, providing depth in case Purdy was not ready for the season opener.
Just happy that they were able to bring me in,
Darnold told Sherman.
You know, we were unsure about Brock’s elbow at the time. I thought I could potentially maybe go there and start for two or three games, depending on Brock’s situation.
—Sam Darnold, Quarterback
Brock Purdy’s Recovery and Impact as 49ers Starter
Purdy fully recovered in time to start Week 1 and went on to deliver a record-setting season. The second-year quarterback shattered the 49ers’ single-season passing yards record with 4,280 yards, threw 31 touchdowns to 11 interceptions, and guided his team to the Super Bowl.
During that season, Darnold started only one game—a Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams, which had no bearing on playoff positioning.
Gratitude for Learning Under 49ers Coaching Staff and Players
Darnold expressed deep appreciation for the experience, highlighting the knowledge gained from 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan and his coaching staff, which included Brian Griese and the Kubiaks, as well as current Seahawks offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak, who was also part of that staff.
Obviously, very thankful that he was able to come back the way that he did—super strong, lead us to a Super Bowl,
Darnold said.
Obviously, didn’t get the job done, but that year was incredible, to be able to learn football from [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan], from that entire staff that was there, [former QB coach] Brian Griese, the Kubiaks, [current Seahawks offensive coordinator] Klint, who obviously, we’re with now.
But that was just a great experience, and being around those players, too, some of those dogs that are on that team, getting to experience what they do every single day.
—Sam Darnold, Quarterback
Looking Ahead: Expectations for Darnold and NFC West Competition
Following his time with the 49ers and Vikings, Darnold enjoyed the best season of his career, throwing for 4,319 yards along with 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He also helped lead the Vikings to a 14-3 record in 2024.
As Darnold prepares to lead the Seahawks, the team is hopeful he can maintain this high level of performance, especially with the NFC West division expected to be fiercely competitive in the upcoming season.
Brock Purdy Secures Long-Term Future with 49ers
Meanwhile, Brock Purdy solidified his position as the franchise quarterback for the 49ers by signing a five-year, $265 million contract in May. This deal made him the highest-paid player in San Francisco’s team history, reflecting the organization’s long-term commitment to him.