The QB has grown and was looking for a multiyear commitment. In Seattle, he found coaches who’d seen his improvement and an organization that could support him.

The Seattle Seahawks made one of the biggest splashes of free agency by signing the best quarterback available in Sam Darnold. Seattle gave Darnold a three-year deal worth $100.5 million, with $55 million guaranteed.

The three-year, $100.5 million contract signed last week by new Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold is, in reality, a one-year, $37.5 million deal with a team-held option for 2026 and 2027.