Sam Darnold has one of the more interesting career arcs among quarterbacks in the NFL.
The third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold did not quite live up to the billing during his first three seasons with the Jets, though he did show flashes. The same could be said for his next two seasons with the Panthers, which set up a California homecoming for him to join the 49ers as a backup in 2023. That year in San Francisco preceded a resurgent 2024 season in which Darnold led the Vikings to a 14-3 record and earned MVP love at various parts of the season.
After finding success in Minnesota, Darnold got a big payday to join the Seahawks in 2025, a contract that will allow his career earnings to reach a new plateau.
Here's a breakdown of Darnold's contracts and earnings over the years.
Sam Darnold net worth
Darnold's net worth is listed at $30 million, according to Pro Football Network. The exact figure is difficult to nail down, given Darnold's annual salary and his various endorsements.
MORE: Ranking the most iconic NFL Draft outfits in history
Sam Darnold NFL contract details
Darnold is playing on a three-year, $100.5 million deal signed with the Seahawks in the 2025 offseason. The contract includes $55.0 million guaranteed and a $32.0 million signing bonus.
Darnold's contract comes after a resurgent prove-it season with the Vikings in 2024, in which he made $10.0 million in one season. The average annual value of Darnold's new deal is $33.5 million, which ranks 18th among quarterbacks in 2025.
MORE: Ranking the best first-round quarterbacks, from Peyton Manning to Lamar Jackson
Sam Darnold NFL career earnings
Darnold has earned $65.2 million in his career through the 2024 season, according to Spotrac. His Seahawks contract could bring his total earnings above $165 million, as he signed a three-year, $100.5 million contract in March 2025.
- Four-year, $30.2 million rookie deal with Jets signed in 2018 (includes fifth-year option)
- One-year, $4.5 million contract signed with 49ers in 2023
- One-year, $10.0 million contract signed with Vikings in 2024
- Three-year, $100.5 million contract signed with Seahawks in 2025
MORE: An inside look at Shedeur Sanders' net worth
Sam Darnold endorsements
Darnold has a few known endorsements with notable brands.
The quarterback plays in Nike Football cleats, and during the pre-draft process, did notable collaborations with Bose and Panini.
- Nike
- Panini
- Bose
Congrats, Sam Darnold! Here’s to a great career with the @nyjets. #TeamBose #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/qJIsCNm6HM
— Bose (@Bose) April 27, 2018
MORE: Most Super Bowl wins in history by player
Sam Darnold business ventures & philanthropy
Darnold is involved in multiple philanthropic endeavors.
After signing with Seattle, Darnold teamed up with the Lowes Foundation in its celebration of SkillsUSA students who have committed to skilled trades careers.
Darnold has long been an advocate for the Never Ever Give Up (NEGU) Jessie Rees Foundation. The foundation's goal is to encourage kids fighting cancer and its namesake is a Southern California native who fought cancer from March 2011 to January 2012.
MORE: What are the most valuable franchises in the NFL?
"We did a camp with them, and a bunch of kids came out and they got to catch touchdowns from us," Darnold said of his introduction to the foundation in high school. "It was special. That kind of left a mark on me, to see how happy they were and how much joy we can add to their life."
He has represented the foundation during the NFL's My Cause, My Cleats initiative.
Where does Sam Darnold live?
Darnold and his fiancée, Katie Hoofnagle, bought a home in the Seattle area shortly after he joined the Seahawks franchise.
Not much is known about Darnold's home, as he told the Tacoma News Tribune that "I’m moving a ton of furniture in, so that’s been great," in June 2025.
MORE: 16 NFL stars you never knew were also drafted by MLB teams