Sam Darnold entered the NFL as a highly touted quarterback and later joined the Seattle Seahawks during a pivotal point in his career. Understanding the timeline and context of his Seahawks tenure helps clarify how the team addressed its quarterback needs.
This article outlines when Sam Darnold went to the Seahawks, the circumstances of his arrival, and the performance during his time there, supported by a detailed overview table.
| Season | Team | Role | Games Started | Key Outcome |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022 | New York Jets | Starting QB | 1 | Limited play, traded midseason |
| 2022 | Seattle Seahawks | Starting QB | 7 | Led team in Week 18, finished 4–3 as starter |
| 2023 | Seattle Seahawks | Backup QB | 9 | Played late in season after injury to Geno Smith |
| 2024 | Carolina Panthers | Free Agent Signing | 0 | Released before regular season |
Sam Darnold Seahawks Start Date
Sam Darnold joined the Seattle Seahawks in the middle of the 2022 season after a trade from the New York Jets. He made his first start for the Seahawks in Week 17 and secured the starting role for Week 18, which aligned with the team’s playoff positioning needs at the time.
Performance During Darnold’s Tenure
During his seven starts with the Seahawks in 2022, Darnold showed mixed results, compiling a 4–3 record as a starter. He managed the game well in key moments and demonstrated improved decision-making under pressure compared to earlier in his career.
Contract and Roster Context
The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold on a one-year contract to provide veteran leadership and stability at quarterback behind Geno Smith. This move allowed the team to manage the transition smoothly while evaluating long-term options at the position.
Transition Out of Seattle
After the 2023 season, in which he served primarily as a backup, Darnold was not retained by the Seahawks. The team chose to move in a different direction at quarterback, leading to his departure and subsequent free agency with other organizations.
Key Takeaways
- Sam Darnold joined the Seahawks midway through the 2022 season via trade from the Jets.
- He started 7 games for Seattle in 2022, finishing with a 4–3 record as a starter.
- He served as a backup in 2023 after Geno Smith returned from injury.
- Darnold was not re-signed after the 2023 season, ending his time with the team.
FAQ
Reader questions
When did Sam Darnold officially become the Seahawks starting quarterback
Sam Darnold became the Seattle Seahawks starting quarterback in Week 18 of the 2022 season, following an injury to Geno Smith and the team’s decision to rest key players for the playoffs.
How many games did Sam Darnold start for the Seahawks in 2022
Sam Darnold started 7 games for the Seattle Seahawks in 2022, all at the end of the regular season.
Was Sam Darnold on the Seahawks in 2023
Yes, Sam Darnold remained with the Seahawks in 2023 as a backup quarterback and appeared in games when Geno Smith was injured.
Why did the Seahawks release Sam Darnold after the 2023 season
The Seahawks released Sam Darnold after the 2023 season because they chose to retain Geno Smith as the long-term quarterback and did not offer Darnold a new contract.