Quarterback Sam Darnold will be the starter when the Seattle Seahawks host the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 at Lumen Field. Darnold's career saw a resurgence after a stint with the 49ers in 2023, which helped pave the way for his postseason run with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024.
This offseason, Darnold signed a lucrative three-year, $100.5 million contract with the Seahawks to become their franchise quarterback. Much of his recent success can be traced back to his time in San Francisco, where he began the process of turning his career around.
Speaking on The Richard Sherman Podcast, Darnold reflected on his 49ers experience, admitting that he felt there was a real chance he could have started for the team. That likely influenced his decision to head to the Bay Area.
The idea wasn't far-fetched. At the time, Brock Purdy was recovering from major elbow surgery sustained in the NFC Championship Game during his rookie season. While Purdy was clearly the 49ers' quarterback moving forward, Darnold was brought in on a one-year deal as insurance in case Purdy wasn't ready for Week 1.
"Just happy that they were able to bring me in," Darnold told Sherman. "You know, we were unsure about Brock's elbow at the time. I thought I could potentially maybe go there and start for two or three games, depending on Brock's situation."
Purdy ultimately recovered in time to start Week 1 and went on to have a historic season. The second-year quarterback set a 49ers single-season passing record with 4,280 yards, throwing 31 touchdowns against 11 interceptions, and led the team to the Super Bowl.
Darnold ended up starting just one game for the 49ers—a meaningless Week 18 matchup against the Los Angeles Rams.
"Obviously, very thankful that he was able to come back the way that he did—super strong, lead us to a Super Bowl," Darnold said. "Obviously, didn't get the job done, but that year was incredible, to be able to learn football from [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan], from that entire staff that was there, [former QB coach] Brian Griese, the Kubiaks, [current Seahawks offensive coordinator] Klint, who obviously, we're with now.
"But that was just a great experience, and being around those players, too, some of those dogs that are on that team, getting to experience what they do every single day."
Darnold is coming off the best season of his career, throwing for 4,319 yards with 35 touchdowns and 12 interceptions, leading the Vikings to a 14-3 record. The Seahawks are hoping he can replicate that productivity in 2025, especially in what is expected to be a tight NFC West race.
Meanwhile, Brock Purdy has cemented himself as the 49ers' franchise quarterback, signing a five-year, $265 million deal in May, making him the highest-paid player in team history.