Sam Darnold earns less than 15 NFL quarterbacks after recent contract extensions

Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold enters the 2026 season as a Super Bowl champion while maintaining a contract that ranks 16th in average annual value among league starters. A three-year, $100.5 million deal signed in March 2025 provides Darnold an average of $33.5 million per season. Recent market adjustments, including a new $55 million-per-year extension for Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield, pushed 15 other signal-callers above Darnold in average salary. Despite the current contract standing, Darnold led the Seahawks to a franchise-record 14 regular-season wins and a championship in 2025. His performance over the last two seasons accounts for 28 regular-season victories, tying a league record for consecutive-season wins by a starting quarterback. The current salary structure for quarterbacks continues to evolve as new extensions are finalized across the league.

• 2:56 AMYahoo Sports — 15 NFL Quarterbacks Now Make More Than Sam Darnold