Sam Darnold teams timeline: Full history of QB's NFL career, from Jets bust to 49ers backup to Seahawks stardom

Sam Darnold’s career has taken several turns since the New York Jets drafted him third overall in 2018.

At one point, Darnold was a highly touted draft prospect out of USC, but he wasn’t ready for the NFL when he started for the Jets as a 21-year-old rookie. Since then, Darnold has traveled the league looking for a home and now seems to have found one with the Seattle Seahawks.

As Darnold aims to make a run for a Super Bowl, his path to success has been very different from most of his peers. Here’s a breakdown of Darnold’s career timeline.

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Sam Darnold teams timeline

New York Jets (2018-2020)

The Jets drafted Sam Darnold No. 3 overall in the 2018 draft, expecting the USC prospect to become the team's franchise quarterback. While Darnold showed flashes of potential in New York, he never developed as the team had hoped.

He struggled to find his footing, turning the ball over too often and failing to overcome a weak supporting cast. While other quarterbacks from his draft class thrived, Darnold couldn’t rise above his circumstances.

Over three seasons, Darnold’s Jets went 13-35, including a dismal 2-14 campaign in 2020 that led to the firing of head coach Adam Gase. With the No. 2 pick in hand and a new coaching staff, the Jets decided to start fresh at quarterback, drafting Zach Wilson and trading Darnold to the Carolina Panthers.

Carolina Panthers (2021-2022)

Darnold’s fresh start with the Panthers didn’t go as planned. He battled injuries and threw more interceptions than touchdowns in the 2021 season, then played in just six games the following year, ending his Carolina tenure in disappointing fashion.

In 18 games with Carolina, Darnold won eight but threw only 16 touchdowns while also tossing 16 interceptions. When he became a free agent after the season, his stock was arguably at its lowest, and he faced the challenge of rehabilitating his reputation.

San Francisco 49ers (2023)

Darnold signed a free-agent deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023, choosing to serve as a backup to Brock Purdy for the season. He threw just 46 passes that year and spent most of the season learning from Kyle Shanahan and observing behind Purdy, giving him a brief respite from the chaotic start to his career.

Darnold appeared in 10 games for San Francisco but started only one—a Week 18 loss to the Los Angeles Rams when the 49ers had their playoff spot locked up. He remained on the roster as the team made a run to the Super Bowl but did not play a snap in the playoffs.

Minnesota Vikings (2024)

Once again a free agent, Darnold landed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings to serve as the team's starting quarterback. Darnold proceeded to have the best season of his career, throwing a career-high 35 touchdowns and 4,319 passing yards while leading the Vikings to 14 wins an a wild-card berth.

Unfortunately, Darnold's final two games soured an incredible season. The quarterback struggled in Week 18 against the Detroit Lions with the division on the line, then had more issues in the playoffs against the Los Angeles Rams. With J.J. McCarthy recovering from a knee injury, the Vikings chose not to bring Darnold back.

Seattle Seahawks (2025-Present)

Darnold's 2024 season earned him a three-year, $100 million contract to replace Geno Smith as the Seahawks quarterback. While Darnold's 2025 numbers weren't as gaudy as his numbers from 2024, he still led the team to 14 wins while making his second-straight Pro Bowl appearance.

Darnold became the fourth quarterback to lead two different franchises to 14 wins in a season, along with Tom Brady, Peyton Manning and Jared Goff.

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Sam Darnold career stats