Seahawks might have a $100.5 million Sam Darnold problem in 2026

The Seattle Seahawks won Super Bowl 60 over the New England Patriots, their second title in franchise history. And it was done with Sam Darnold as the team's quarterback.

After being called a bust with the New York Jets, then rediscovering himself with the Minnesota Vikings, he thrived with the Seahawks in 2025. He's now a Super Bowl champion and is firmly the starting QB of the Seahawks.

However, as ESPN's Dan Graziano highlighted, the team might have a $100.5 million problem in 2026 with Darnold. Since he more than proved himself, that $100.5 million contract he signed last offseason might need an upgrade after 2026.

Seahawks might have a Sam Darnold extension problem after 2026

"Is there a big contract extension in Sam Darnold's future?" Graziano writes. "... I'd still be surprised if the Seahawks made any changes to Darnold's deal before this season starts. But assuming it goes well again (and no, they don't have to win the Super Bowl for that to happen), it's possible they end up talking extension with him next spring."

With the Seahawks being careful about how they structure their quarterback contracts and how they handle the position overall, deciding to give Darnold an extension is something likely to come after 2026 if one does happen.

Even though they might not plan to give Darnold a massive extension right now, which he arguably deserves after helping Seattle to a Super Bowl, the Seahawks are being patient.

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It's not the wrong idea, as if Darnold struggles in2 026, then they have a very easy way to move on without him as their franchise quarterback.

But if he thrives again in 2026, then the Seahawks are going to have a huge problem on their hands. It's a good problem to have, in that they're going to have to extend Darnold, but it doesn't change how big of an impact such a deal would have on the team.

If they extend Darnold, while also adding Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Devon Witherspoon, Bryon Murphy, and any other core players' big extension onto their books, the Seahawks are going to have to do some serious cap manipulation moving forward.

Darnold creating such a problem for the Seahawks would be a good thing, though, as it would mean he's proven his worth as the franchise QB, and Seattle would have confidence in Darnold as their QB of the future.

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