Sam Darnold’s revenge: Seahawks QB chases redemption in division title clash vs. 49ers

Andy McNamara

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Sam Darnold’s revenge: Seahawks QB chases redemption in division title clash vs. 49ers image

The word "redemption" has been tied a lot to Sam Darnold over the past two seasons. 

Viewed as a first-round draft bust, he shocked the league in 2024 by leading the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-3 record. The question was, could Darnold keep the good times rolling after having no previous sustained career success?

Then Week 18 came. A 31-9 drubbing by the Lions choked away the NFC North title. "Darnold’s 14-2 chariot turned into a pumpkin," Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk commented.

That was followed by a 27-9 wild-card exit to the L.A. Rams on January 13th. Darnold looked more like his former New York Jets days over this stretch, and subsequently left in free agency to Seattle.

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"Two weeks ago, Darnold got a measure of redemption by overcoming two interceptions to beat the Rams in overtime," Florio said.

In 2025, many wondered if Darnold would continue struggling after joining the Seahawks. Turnovers have been an issue, with the veteran tied for third in the NFL in interceptions (14), alongside six lost fumbles.

However, he certainly deserves some of the credit for the team's fantastic 13-3 record.

Another chance at redemption for the 28-year old comes up in Week 18 when he faces a San Francisco club he was a backup for in 2023.

"The clock is ticking. And it strikes midnight on Saturday, when Darnold gets a chance — for the second straight season — to beat a division rival on the road with the top seed on the line," Florio continued on Pro Football Talk.

Will Darnold change the conversation around his career, or confirm all the naysayers?

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Staff Writer