Seahawks head coach makes major Sam Darnold decision
The Seattle Seahawks signed the 27-year-old quarterback after a successful 2024 season with the Minnesota Vikings but he has some competition.
New arrival Sam Darnold has looked a little shaky at some points during the Seattle Seahawks’ OTAs this week.
Darnold led the first-choice offensive unit but suffered two interceptions in the space of three plays at one point, while also getting caught in possession on several plays.
During an interview with Seattle Sports 710-AM after Tuesday’s session, head coach Mike Macdonald was asked whether Darnold’s place as starter could be under threat if his performances don’t improve. This answer was unequivocal.
“No, you guys are crazy,” Macdonald replied. “I respect that you’ve got to ask it, but it’s just a crazy question. It’s just not going to happen. Sam’s our starting quarterback. We love him. He’s doing a tremendous job.”
Darnold is entering his eighth season in the league and is coming off the back of his first Pro Bowl appearance. He impressed during his single season with the Minnesota Vikings, earning a nomination for AP Comeback Player of the Year, but he was unable to agree an extension in Minnesota.
Back in March he put pen to paper on a three-year $100.5 million deal with the Seahawks, one which does allow Seattle to break with him after one year if things don’t work out. Nevertheless, for now Macdonald insists that he and the team are all-in on Darnold, who they believe can be a cornerstone for a new-look team.
“God forbid you’re the worst payer of all time because you made one bad throw or one bad decision,” Macdonald said. “That is not what we’re trying to build.”
“We want these guys to go prepare the right way and then when they go out on the practice field, go freaking let it rip and then we’ll go fix it. ... We’ve got time. It’s June 3 ... They’re going to get plenty of reps. We’ll get those things fixed.”
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