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For the first time in his career, Sam Darnold joined the NFL Free Agency with opportunities to be a start -quarterback.
Despite a disappointing finish in the playoffs, Darnold’s career-best season with Minnesota Vikings got him the right to have a great payday. It was just a matter of where – not if.
While it is a good feeling for any player in professional sports to have that opportunity in free agency, making the right choice is not easy. There are many factors, personal and professionals who go into a player who decides to choose another team.
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Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Sam Darnold, #14, throws a passport during the first half of a NFL football match against Chicago Bears on Sunday, November 24, 2024 in Chicago. (AP Photo/Charles Rex Arbogast)
However, when the Seattle Seahawks traded veteran -signal caller Geno Smith to Las Vegas Raiders, however, speculation began immediately. Could Darnold be on his way to Seattle?
He was thinking exactly the same with his agents at Creative Artists Agency.
“I looked at my free agent settings and talked to my agent about it, and suddenly we hear the news about Geno [Smith] was traded, “Darnold explained to Pakinomist Digital while discussing his work with the Lowe’s Foundation for Skillsusa National Signing Day.” And that’s how, ‘Ok, Seattle could be a potential place.’
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“When I just found out the mutual interest that both sides had to get an appointment, it was something that was really important to me. Having someone who wanted me there too, and being able to influence as best I can.”
Seeing mutual interest is a main factor, but then it comes down to whether the player, especially a quarterback, can be a success.
Seahawks had a new head coach last season, Mike MacDonald, who came from Baltimore Ravens. Although they did not compete in the playoffs, they just missed out on a 10-7 record-not so bad for a first-year head coach.
Minnesota Vikings Quarterback Sam Darnold, #14, warms up before the game against San Francisco 49ers at US Bank Stadium. (Brad Rempel-Preferred Pictures)
Darnold loved what he saw when he was facing Seahawks in a 27-24 win for his Vikings.
“There are good players in the defense, good players on off -off. “I know him from 2023 in San Francisco when we took it running there, so I’m pretty familiar with the system. I think all these factors combined was really the reason I fell in love with the decision to come to Seattle and man, I couldn’t be more excited about it.”
Finally, while the on-Field product and a scheme look up at the level, free agents always look at team chemistry and culture. Darnold saw it right away.
“Being here for the past few weeks, it’s been great to be able to meet some of my teammates and some of the coaches,” he explained. “And as I referred to with Minnesota, just meeting some of the people in the building. It’s just a special place because you hear about it in the league. You hear about the good spots, the bad spots, the stains in between.
Sam Darnold, No. 14 of San Francisco 49ers, seems to pass during the mandatory mini stamp at SAP Performance Facility on June 7, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Michael Zagaris/San Francisco 49ers/Getty Images)
“Seattle was always a place that guys love to go to. They love the energy, they love the environment and it really surpassed all my expectations. I’m so happy to be here.”
Celebrating the next generation of trade workers
While Darnold gets his tenant in his new city, he made sure to stop at Lowe’s Seattle Store Ceremony for Skillsusa National Signing Day, which is a party to mirror the tension of athletic signings, but for future electricians, plumber, HVAC technologies and builders.
Lowes rolled out the blue blanket and everything for students who were surprised by Seattle’s latest football star. This initiative is one that hits close to the home of Darnold. His father, Mike, has been a plumber for 30 plus years.
“It was incredible,” Darnold said of the experience. “I have seen the hard work that he put throughout his life into it. So just being able to see these kids and see the hard work they have already put in, get meet them and talk to them about the path they are on their way and how passionate they are about it.
Sam Darnold, with trading students at Skillsusa National Signing Day with Lowe’s Foundation. (Lowe’s Foundation)
“I think there are so many more opportunities out there in the world’s trading world, and my father and my dad have talked about how not many children do it more. It’s a special opportunity for children to influence their community in ways they probably don’t even know they will.”
New data from ADP shows almost one in five workers aged 20-24 jobs held in blue collar from May 2023. Although it was a 2% increase since 2019, the United States faces a shortage of 439,000 construction workers.
