Sam Darnold contract news
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The gist
Baker Mayfield's 3-year, $165 million extension sets a $55 million-a-year benchmark for Seahawks QB Sam Darnold.
Darnold's next deal, due after 2026, could reshape Seattle's cap and title window.
Background
Sam Darnold is entering the second season of a three-year, $100.5 million contract signed in March 2025, after winning Super Bowl LX with the Seahawks. Baker Mayfield's new extension with the Buccaneers — the largest in that franchise's history at $55 million per season — reset the market for quarterbacks in Darnold's tier. With Darnold's deal running through 2027, Seattle is expected to pursue an extension next offseason, and the Mayfield number is seen as the starting point.
How it unfolded
- Mar 2025Sam Darnold signs a three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks.
- Feb 8, 2026Darnold wins Super Bowl LX with the Seahawks, beating the Patriots 20-6.
- Sep 9, 2026Baker Mayfield agrees to a 3-year, $165 million extension with the Buccaneers, averaging $55 million per season.
- Sep 9, 2026Multiple outlets report the Mayfield deal sets the initial parameters for Darnold's next contract, with $55 million a year seen as the floor.
Who’s saying what
- Analysts
- The Mayfield deal makes $55 million annually the starting point for Darnold's extension, and a strong 2026 could push it higher.
- Caution
- Darnold isn't due for an extension yet — his current deal runs through 2027 — so Seattle may wait rather than pay now.
- Bulls
- If Darnold repeats his 2025 form or makes another deep playoff run, he'll have a strong case to surpass $55 million per year.
Still unverified
Exact figures for Darnold's next contract are speculative; reports cite $50 million to $60 million per year as possible ranges, but no offer or negotiation has been confirmed. A report of Mayfield's deal initially stalling before being shelved until the offseason was described as surprising when the extension was announced.