Seahawks have an emergency $25.6 million Sam Darnold escape plan

Charlie Baduini

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Seahawks have an emergency $25.6 million Sam Darnold escape plan image

Sam Darnold has continued his career resurgence since his time with the Minnesota Vikings, carrying it over to the Seattle Seahawks.

In 2025, the eighth-year quarterback has completed 68.2% of his passes and thrown for 2913 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. While those numbers are good, they're not elite, and Darnold has had some ups and downs as the starting quarterback in Seattle.

But what if the Seahawks decided to cut ties after a disastrous playoff run? What would it cost? Would Seattle be swimming in dead money?

Seahawks have an emergency eject button from Sam Darnold's contract

According to ESPN's Dan Graziano, Seattle could move on from Darnold after just one season if they felt compelled to do so.

"He is under contract for a very reasonable $28 million in 2026 and $45.7 million in 2027. But as is the Seahawks' policy with veteran contracts, none of the money beyond the first year was guaranteed at signing. If Darnold is still on the Seahawks' roster five days after the Super Bowl (so, Feb. 13), then $17.5 million of his 2026 compensation becomes fully guaranteed," wrote Graziano.

"But if they were to cut him before that, they wouldn't owe even one more penny and would be on the hook for just $25.6 million in dead money.If the Seahawks decide Darnold isn't their guy -- or if they find someone else they think is an upgrade -- they would be in position to pivot without very much financial pain."

In all likelihood, there's no way the Seahawks would part ways with Darnold after just one year. As previously mentioned, he's having a good season and is ninth in the league with a QBR of 64.3.

But if something disastrous were to happen in the postseason, it probably helps general manager John Schneider sleep at night knowing he has a contingency plan.

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Contributing Writer