The story of Geno Smith in Seattle and how he resurrected his career there was a great, inspiring story. Geno Smith went through his trials and tribulations in New York with the Jets and came to Seattle, where he had a career year 7 years into his career. Smith threw for 30 touchdowns and 4282 yards, leading Seattle to a playoff berth. Still, new coach Mike Macdonald was trying to reshape Seattle into his own blueprint for success. The Seahawks decided to move on from Geno and look to another former failed New York Jets quarterback, Sam Darnold.
Minnesota Vikings
The former USC Trojan resurrected his career at his previous destination. Darnold was an MVP candidate with the Minnesota Vikings. His tenure in Minnesota ended poorly in a playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams. Even with his great 2024-2025 season, many still believed his flaws were still substantial and that he was not worth breaking the bank on.
Seattle Seahawks
Seattle, given the opportunity, did not hesitate to open its pocketbook for Darnold instead of paying Geno Smith for another few years.
Darnold was the younger quarterback, and he had the better 2024-25 season. Many still did not believe the Seahawks were making the right decision moving on from Geno Smith and going all in on a potential one-hit wonder.
Outdueling Matthew Stafford
Fast forward to today. The Seahawks are headed to the Super Bowl after a game in which Sam Darnold outdueled Matthew Stafford, throwing for 346 yards and 3 passing touchdowns. Darnold got his revenge for his disastrous playoff performance versus the Rams last season with the Minnesota Vikings, this time leading his team to the Super Bowl against the best of the best.
Complete team
The Seahawks got a great return on investment with Sam Darnold. This team was a complete football team all season long, having zero holes. In today’s NFL, you still need an elite quarterback to get the job done, especially to come out on top in the NFC West.
Geno Smith
Geno Smith, on the other hand, completely flamed out in Vegas as he and Pete Carroll came short of each and every high expectation for the Raiders this season. Their performance was so bad this year together that they gift-wrapped the Raiders the No. 1 overall pick. This season has definitely created doubt that Geno Smith will return as a starter on any team next season.
Strong all season long
Sam Darnold this season held his end of the bargain, leading the Seahawks to first place in the NFC, NFC West championship title, and winning the NFC on top of that, with his sights still set on the Super Bowl. He threw for 25 touchdowns and 4048 yards this season. Darnold has looked every bit of that highly sought quarterback coming out of USC in Seattle. He has always had the talent, but this time in Seattle, he has the utmost confidence in himself and in his game.
Two different paths
The Seahawks had a great story with Geno Smith, but with Sam Darnold, it has been a bes-tseller. It is clear as day that the Seahawks made the right decision taking Darnold over Geno Smith. Already in year 1, he had led this team to the Super Bowl and had made history as a former USC Trojan quarterback. Darnold could be on his way to having a permanent home in Seattle with a couple of pieces of hardware along the way.
This article originally appeared on Trojans Wire: Sam Darnold and Seahawks have become top stories in the NFL
Reporting by Micah Huff, Trojans Wire / Trojans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
