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(Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
The Minnesota Vikings are seeing a familiar face in their Week 13 game against the Seattle Seahawks on November 30 at Lumen Field. Sam Darnold had an impressive one-year stint with the Vikings, which led to him signing a free-agent contract with the Seahawks last offseason.
In Year 1 with the Seahawks, Darnold has passed for 2,785 yards, 19 touchdowns, 10 interceptions, and a 106.2 passer rating, per Pro Football Reference.
Meanwhile, on the Minnesota side, the Vikings have gone through the growing pains that come with a young quarterback after deciding to go with J.J. McCarthy.
On November 30, FOX Sports NFL insider Jay Glazer shed more light on Darnold’s departure ahead of the Week 13 game.
“When the Seahawks knew they’re going to move [Geno Smith] over to the [Las Vegas] Raiders, they immediately went on to Sam Darnold and Klint Kubiak, now the offensive coordinator there with Seattle was with him in San Francisco [and said], ‘So guys, even though he was a backup, this guy who’s a leader, incredible team player, that’s who you want in your locker room,’” Glazer said.
“And one other note here: Once they got Sam done, John Schneider talked to Kevin O’Connell. And Kevin O’Connell, zero sour grapes, told John Schneider, ‘One of the best leaders you’ll ever be around in your life.’ Schneider is really happy to hear that.”
Vikings Were Committed to J.J. McCarthy
Moreover, another NFL insider, Tom Pelissero, shared information about what the Vikings were willing to commit to Darnold, noting that the franchise saw a future with McCarthy.
“The Vikings did not simply let Sam Darnold walk,” Pelissero said on November 30 during an appearance on NFL Network. “My understanding is they actually made a pretty similar offer to Sam Darnold to the one that he ultimately accepted: Three years, $100.5 million with the Seahawks. Now, it was only a one-year commitment as Seattle’s offer was on paper.
“Part of the reason the Vikings weren’t willing to go further than that had less to do with the way Sam Darnold played in their final two games last year than the fact that they believe in their first-round pick from a year ago, JJ McCarthy.”
Justin Jefferson Talks Sam Darnold
Darnold has been building a strong connection with Jaxon Smith-Njigba, who looks every bit like a top receiver as he grows into a leading role.
While that partnership continues to gain momentum, another player who once shared a similar bond with the Seahawks quarterback is Justin Jefferson. Before the matchup, the Vikings star met with reporters on November 26 and talked about seeing Darnold thrive in his first season with Seattle.
“He’s definitely balling,” Jefferson said of Darnold’s 2025 season. “It’s hard to miss it when the number one receiver is at the top in the NFL. He’s been killing it. Some people might mention the bad games he’s had, but overall, he’s leading his teams to victories. It will be tough to win in their home environment. We need to lock in, execute our plays on all three phases, and come out with the win.”
Eduardo Razo Eduardo Razo is a sports journalist covering the NFL for Heavy.com. He previously covered the league for NBC Sports Washington and NBC Sports Bay Area & California, and has contributed as a freelance writer for The Sporting News. He also served as an editor for Athlon Sports and Heavy Sports focusing on MLB and the NFL. More about Eduardo Razo
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