Seahawks expected to make $27.5 million Sam Darnold decision after Super Bowl 60

The Seattle Seahawks have made Super Bowl 60, and are facing the New England Patriots in a revenge matchup from Super Bowl 49. Over a decade later, the Seahawks are going for their second Super Bowl title.

One of the main reasons they've made it this far is thanks to the great play of Sam Darnold. He turned his career around in a big way, and the Seahawks gave him a $100.5 million contract with an out after year one.

But, now in the Super Bowl, ESPN's Dan Graziano fully expected the Seahawks to make a $27.5 million decision with Darnold this offseason to keep the quarterback in Seattle for at least another season.

Seahawks expected to make $27.5M Sam Darnold decision

"The Seahawks will happily pay him that roster bonus and the rest of his non-guaranteed salary for a total of $27.5 million in 2026," Graziano writes.

John Schneider could've decided to move on from Darnold after one year if this season didn't go well for the Seahawks.

But, with the Seahawks in the Super Bowl, thanks in part to Darnold's performance this season, especially in the NFC Championship Game, there is no doubt about what the Seahawks should do.

Bringing Darnold back for the 2026 season is a no-brainer, and if he plays well in the Super Bowl, there might be a bigger question lingering in the minds of the Seahawks: Should Darnold get a long-term extension?

More: How Seahawks built Super Bowl 60 roster, from Sam Darnold signing to 'Dark Side' defense

He's under contract through the 2027 season, and while the Seahawks could keep him on his current deal through then, a Super Bowl title might be enough to award him a long-term deal.

But, as of now, the big $27.5 million decision for the 2026 season is expected to be made. Letting Darnold walk would be a mistake, especially after what happened to the Minnesota Vikings after their own Darnold decision.

Graziano's report is a clear one, in that Darnold is fully expected back in Seattle for next season. They could've gotten out of his deal, but the Seahawks are expected to commit to Darnold, paying him $27.5 million for the 2026 season.

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