Sam Darnold vs. Geno Smith: Did Seahawks upgrade at QB with $100.5M free agent signing?

The Seahawks completely remade their offense this weekend.

Seattle agreed to trade quarterback Geno Smith to the Raiders over the weekend, despite the veteran being the team’s starter over the past three seasons. Smith is entering the final year of his contract and was expected to remain in Seattle.

Instead, the Seahawks pivoted off Smith to sign former Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million deal. Darnold had a career year in Minnesota last season, but it ended with two tough games as the Vikings will now move forward with J.J, McCarthy.

As the 2025 season approaches, fans and analysts will debate whether the Seahawks upgraded or downgraded at quarterback. While Darnold is certainly younger, Smith has been the more consistent player in his career.

Here’s a breakdown of Darnold vs. Smith entering the 2025 season.

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Sam Darnold vs. Geno Smith stats

Darnold and Smith had similar numbers last year, but there were a few notable differences. Mainly, Darnold threw for 14 more touchdowns than Smith in 2024, as his 34 touchdowns were not only a career high, but more touchdowns than Smith has ever thrown in a single season.

On the flip side, Smith had a higher completion percentage than Darnold, as his number of 70.4% was top five in the NFL last year. Smith also may have thrown more interceptions than Darnold in 2024, but he didn’t lose any fumbles compared to Darnold’s four lost fumbles.

Of course, Smith now has three-straight solid seasons as a starting quarterback, while Darnold’s 2024 was his only great year in the NFL. Seattle is banking on Darnold not reverting back to his earlier self moving forward.

Sam Darnold vs. Geno Smith age

The biggest factor in Darnold’s favor in this player comparison is the difference in age between him and Smith. Darnold will turn 28 in June, meaning he will play in Seattle through his age-30 season with his new contract. Smith, meanwhile, will turn 35 in October.

Last season, Smith was the sixth-oldest quarterback among primary starters in the league, while Darnold was still in the younger-half of the NFL.

Why did the Seahawks trade Geno Smith?

Smith and the Seahawks were initially negotiating an extension as the veteran was entering the final year of his contract worth $31 million. However, the two sides couldn’t agree on the terms.

According to Bob Condotta, the Seahawks offered Smith a deal worth between $40-45 million, but Smith’s side didn’t send a counteroffer. Therefore, the Seahawks traded Smith instead ahead of free agency, allowing them to pivot.

Now, Darnold is set to make just over $33 million a year, which is reportedly well short of the team’s offer to Smith.

Geno Smith trade details

Raiders receive:

Seahawks receive:

• 2025 third-round pick (No. 92)

The Seahawks traded Geno Smith to the Raiders for a third-round pick in this year’s draft right before free agency was set to begin. Smith is currently in the final year of his contract, but is expected to sign an extension with the Raiders.

Sam Darnold contract details

• Years: 3
• Value: $100.5 million

Darnold and the Seahawks agreed to a three-year deal worth $100.5 million and $55 million guaranteed. The annual average value of $33.5 million is just $2.5 million more than what Smith is set to make during the 2025 season.