NFL free-agent frenzy begins as Seahawks, QB Darnold agree to 3-year, $110M.5 US deal: sources

Quarterback Sam Darnold has secured a lucrative three-year, $110.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks, according to a source familiar with the agreement. This deal marks a significant move for Darnold, who had a standout season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, leading the team to an impressive 14 wins. The talented quarterback will be stepping into the shoes of Geno Smith, who was recently traded to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Darnold, originally selected as the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft by the Jets, flourished under the guidance of AP Coach of the Year Kevin O’Connell. In his stellar season, Darnold threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions with an impressive passer rating of 102.5. He also joined an elite group of players in NFL history with 12 games featuring multiple touchdown passes and a passer rating of 100 or higher in a single season, alongside the likes of Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes, and Matt Ryan.

Despite his Pro Bowl selection, Darnold faced challenges towards the end of the season, delivering subpar performances when the Vikings needed him most. The team missed out on securing the NFC’s No. 1 seed after a disappointing loss to Detroit in Week 18, ultimately landing as the No. 5 seed and falling to the Rams in a game where Darnold was sacked a staggering nine times.

In other NFL news, Canadian wide receiver Josh Palmer has inked a three-year, $36 million deal with the Buffalo Bills. The six-foot-one receiver, hailing from Brampton, Ontario, previously played for the Los Angeles Chargers and showcased his skills with 39 catches for 584 yards and a touchdown in the last season. Palmer, a third-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, brings a wealth of experience to the Bills’ receiving corps.

The New England Patriots have also been active in the free agency market, securing key players like defensive tackle Milton Williams, linebacker Robert Spillane, cornerback Carlton Davis, and offensive tackle Morgan Moses. Williams, known for his standout performance in the Super Bowl, will earn an average of $26 million per year in his new contract. Spillane, Davis, and Moses have also secured multi-million dollar deals with the Patriots, bolstering the team’s roster for the upcoming season.

Meanwhile, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have retained star receiver Chris Godwin with a three-year, $66 million contract, while adding edge rusher Haason Reddick on a one-year deal worth $14 million. The Buccaneers’ front office expressed excitement over keeping Godwin as a key offensive weapon and bringing in Reddick to strengthen their pass rush.

The New York Jets have made a significant move by signing former Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million contract. Fields will take over as the team’s starting quarterback following the departure of Aaron Rodgers. The Jets’ decision to part ways with Rodgers was announced last month, paving the way for Fields to lead the team.

In a notable move, the Washington Commanders have agreed to terms with defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw on a three-year, $45 million contract, with $30 million guaranteed. Kinlaw’s arrival will fill the void left by Jonathan Allen’s departure, providing a boost to the team’s defensive line. Additionally, the Commanders have re-signed punter Tress Way and tight end John Bates to further solidify their roster for the upcoming season.

The Arizona Cardinals have added edge rusher Josh Sweat on a four-year, $76.4 million contract, with $41 million guaranteed. Sweat, a key contributor to the Philadelphia Eagles’ Super Bowl victory, brings a strong pass-rushing presence to the Cardinals’ defense.

Lastly, the Minnesota Vikings have bolstered their cornerback depth by agreeing to terms with free agent Isaiah Rodgers on a two-year, $15 million contract, with $8 million fully guaranteed. Rodgers, coming off a Super Bowl-winning campaign with the Eagles, will provide valuable support to the Vikings’ secondary.

These recent moves in NFL free agency have set the stage for an exciting and competitive season ahead, with teams making strategic acquisitions to strengthen their rosters and enhance their chances of success. Stay tuned for more updates as the offseason continues to unfold.