Sam Darnold’s Decline Prompts Seahawks to Consider Release Amid Growing Offseason Scrutiny

Quick Takeaways

Table of Contents

• Sam Darnold’s Performance Dip: Key Metrics
• Seahawks’ Roster Decisions and Salary Cap Impact
• Historical Comparison: Quarterback Turnarounds
• Outlook: Offseason Moves and Player Options
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Will the Seahawks cut Sam Darnold before the season ends?
• What are Sam Darnold’s options if he is released?
• How will Darnold’s release affect Seattle’s salary cap?

• Core Insight: Sam Darnold’s recent struggles have Seattle evaluating a possible roster cut before the 2027 draft.
• Key Highlight: Darnold posted a 45.6 passer rating over his last five starts, the lowest of any Seahawks QB since 2019.
• Actionable Advice: Teams should monitor Darnold’s health reports and the Seahawks’ cap moves through the next two weeks.

SEATTLE, Oct 26 (Reuters) — Sam Darnold’s five‑game losing streak and a 45.6 passer rating have pushed the Seattle Seahawks toward a potential release before the offseason. The quarterback’s decline, coupled with a $28 million guaranteed salary, forces the franchise to weigh on‑field performance against cap flexibility.

Sam Darnold’s Performance Dip: Key Metrics

- **Completion Rate:** 58.2% (down from 65.4% in 2024). - **Touchdowns vs. Interceptions:** 4 TDs, 9 INTs. - **Rushing Yards:** 112 yards on 31 carries, a 3.6‑yard average. - **Passer Rating Trend:** 45.6 over the last five games, compared with a career average of 84.2.

Seahawks’ Roster Decisions and Salary Cap Impact

The Seahawks face a $28 million guaranteed contract through 2027. Releasing Darnold would free $12.4 million in dead cap space but trigger a $9.2 million dead‑cap hit.

Parameter / Feature	Details / Specs	Recommendation
Contract Guarantee	$28 million (2025‑2027)	Evaluate trade options before cut
Cap Savings if Released	$12.4 million (2026)	Prioritize veteran QB acquisition
Replacement Options	Geno Smith (2023‑2025), Jameis Winston (2024)	Consider short‑term veteran
Draft Capital Impact	Potential 5th‑round pick forfeiture if traded	Retain pick if Darnold cleared

Historical Comparison: Quarterback Turnarounds

- **Carson Palmer (2014):** 48.5 rating before trade; rebounded to 92.1 after moving to Arizona. - **Josh Rosen (2020):** 50.2 rating before release; never regained starter status. - Darnold’s current trajectory aligns more closely with Rosen, indicating a low probability of rapid recovery without a change of environment.

Outlook: Offseason Moves and Player Options

Seahawks GM John Schneider is expected to meet with Darnold’s agent by early November to discuss a possible trade to a rebuilding team. If negotiations stall, the team may place Darnold on injured reserve citing a lingering shoulder issue, a move that would preserve cap flexibility while avoiding a full release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will the Seahawks cut Sam Darnold before the season ends?

The franchise has not confirmed a decision, but internal sources say a cut is likely if Darnold’s performance does not improve by the next two games.

What are Sam Darnold’s options if he is released?

He can sign with any team as a free agent, though market interest is limited to backup roles unless he secures a trade.

How will Darnold’s release affect Seattle’s salary cap?

Releasing him would free approximately $12.4 million in cap space for 2026, offset by a $9.2 million dead‑cap charge.