Eyes On The Sam Darnold Contract
January 27th, 2026
Among NFL quarterbacks, Sam Darnold of the Super Bowl-bound Seahawks ranked third in total interceptions this season, tossed 25 touchdowns and tied for the NFL lead in fumbles.
Darnold also had 57 completions of 20 or more yards.
Does that sound familiar?
It should.
Baker Mayfield also was tied for the NFL fumbles lead, and he threw 26 touchdowns with 11 interceptions, three less than Darnold. Mayfield completed 54 passes of 20 yards more, eighth-best in the NFL. Darnold had 57.
One could argue Mayfield and Darnold are similar quarterbacks, except Mayfield is much better and more productive as a scrambler.
Joe brings this up because Mayfield and Darnold, both out of the 2018 draft, have nearly identical contracts and Mayfield will be a free agent after the 2026 season. Darnold is signed through 2027 on a three-year, $100 million deal he locked down in March.
It’s very possible Seattle adds a one-year extension to Darnold’s contract after the Super Bowl, a nod of appreciation and as a way to keep him on an affordable deal for 2028. Might that be $45 million?
There’s little doubt the Bucs will point to Darnold’s overal compensation as a comparable for Mayfield as they consider extending Mayfield’s contract. Eleven quarterbacks earned $50 million or more this season. Mayfield is on the books for $40 million in 2026.
The Joe typing here is willing to wager the Bucs are hungry to add at least one year to Mayfield’s contract before the 2026 season kicks off. It’ll be one of the first questions asked of Buccaneer Ring of Honor general manager at the NFL Scouting in four short weeks.