Quarterback’s New Team Thrives After Old Team Let Him Go

Bassyonni

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Quarterback’s New Team Thrives After Old Team Let Him Go

Quarterback Sam Darnold’s remarkable turnaround in the 2025 NFL season has drawn attention after being released by the Minnesota Vikings. Darnold, who led the Vikings to a 14-3 record in the previous year, posted impressive statistics including career-highs in passing yards, touchdowns, and passer rating. Despite these achievements, the Vikings chose not to re-sign him after a disappointing playoff performance.

Darnold’s Move to Seattle

In the offseason, Darnold signed a three-year contract worth $105 million with the Seattle Seahawks. Initially, the response to this signing was muted. Critics pointed out that Darnold represented a downgrade from previous Seahawks quarterback Geno Smith. ESPN rated the signing a B-, while Pro Football Network criticized Darnold’s contract as one of the weakest of the offseason.

Impressive Start to the Season

Fast forward to Week 6 of the 2025 season, Darnold is proving his doubters wrong. He has emerged as one of the leading quarterbacks in the league. According to Pro Football Focus, Darnold holds the highest overall grading among quarterbacks with a minimum of 200 snaps. In addition, he ranks second in ESPN’s QBR, and is fourth in expected points added per play. Currently, he is third in passer rating and seventh in touchdown passes.

Highest-graded quarterback in the NFL (minimum 200 snaps)
Second in ESPN’s QBR
Fourth in expected points added per play
Third in passer rating
Seventh in touchdown passes

High-Scoring Matchups

Darnold showcased his skills in a high-stakes encounter against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, despite a 38-35 loss. He threw for 341 yards and four touchdowns, leading the Seahawks from a two-score deficit and executing a remarkable 99-yard drive capped off with a touchdown pass.

Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald praised Darnold’s performance, emphasizing his cool demeanor and leadership qualities. Teammate Tory Horton highlighted Darnold’s agility in the pocket and ability to connect during crucial plays.

Comparative Performance

Darnold’s success has made the Vikings’ decision to part ways with him appear questionable. Minnesota currently holds a 3-2 record and would need to win 11 out of their remaining games to equal Darnold’s prior season achievement. Their current quarterbacks are struggling, with J.J. McCarthy sidelined due to injury and Carson Wentz ranking 26th in QBR.

Historical Context

The Vikings’ decision to release Darnold was unprecedented. Since 1970, only three teams that won 80% of their games in a season failed to bring back their starting quarterback the following year. The 2025 Vikings stand out as the only team to choose an untested starter over the prior season’s quarterback.