Sam Darnold Fantasy Overview

2024 Summary

Production & Fantasy Finishes

Darnold was among the surprise performers of 2024, posting career highs in passing yards (4,319) and TDs (35). Both marks ranked fourth among QBs.

As expected, the former Round 1 pick didn’t offer much on the ground. He tallied 212 yards and 1 score on 67 attempts.

Darnold racked up 10 top-12 fantasy finishes, peaking at QB4. Overall, he finished the season at QB8 in fantasy points per game.

Usage & Role

Volume certainly helped. Darnold’s 545 pass attempts ranked 8th among QBs — and his pace increased after a conservative start (24 to 28 attempts in each of his first four games).

He wasn’t just slinging short stuff, either. Darnold finished:

• 15th in deep ball rate (12.8%)
• 13th in play-action dropback rate (28.1%)

Efficiency Metrics

Among 32 QBs with 300+ dropbacks, Darnold ranked:

• 7th in yards per attempt
• 7th in PFF’s Big Time Throw Rate
• 11th in PFF passing grade
• 16th in adjusted completion rate

Darnold tied for 10th in fantasy points per dropback, just behind Joe Burrow (0.53 vs. 0.52).

Offensive Context

Darnold could have ridden the bench all season after the Vikings drafted QB J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick.

But an August meniscus injury ended the rookie’s season, paving the way for Darnold to thrive under offensive-minded HC Kevin O’Connell.

Of course, Darnold benefited from throwing to Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison. T.J. Hockenson returned from an ACL tear in Week 9.

The Vikings ranked 16th in pass rate but 3rd in pass rate over expected.

Injury History

Darnold overcame knee, hand, and foot injuries to play all 17 games.

His last notable injury was a high-ankle sprain in September 2022.

2025 Expectations

Projected Role & Competition

Darnold signed a three-year deal to replace Geno Smith in Seattle.

In April, the Seahawks spent a Round 3 pick on Alabama QB Jalen Milroe. He’s a developmental prospect and a threat for 2025 starts only if Darnold struggles.

Supporting Cast

Darnold’s pass catchers look thin.

Seattle traded D.K. Metcalf and let Tyler Lockett walk in free agency. Together, they leave behind 178 targets.

Cooper Kupp arrived to fill the vacancy, but at 32, he’s very likely a downgrade. Plus, his health will command attention. Kupp’s played nine, 12, and 12 games over the past three seasons.

That’ll put extra pressure on 2024 breakout Jaxon Smith-Njigba. JSN racked up 100-1,130-6 as a sure-handed slot.

TE looks intriguing with an athletic pairing of Noah Fant and rookie Elijah Arroyo. We’ve likely seen Fant at his best, though, and it’s not difference-making. Arroyo, 22, is a 2025 wild card after only one solid season of college production.

Up front, Darnold watched the Seahawks invest a Round 1 pick on OG Grey Zabel. It's a positive step, but this unit still has a lot to prove. They exited last season 21st in ESPN's pass block win rate; 26th in PFF pass blocking grade.

They slot 28th in our offensive line rankings.

Coaching & Offensive Scheme

Darnold will work under new Seahawks OC Klink Kubiak. The pair worked together for one season in San Francisco (2023) when Kubiak held the title of pass game coordinator.

Darnold said that Kubiak influenced his decision to sign with Seattle, noting that they’ve implemented some “familiar things” from the 49ers.

Kubiak brings two years of experience as an OC and play-caller.

His 2021 Vikings ranked:

• 12th in yards
• 14th in points
• 16th in rush attempts
• 11th in pass attempts

His 2024 Saints finished:

• 21st in yards
• 24th in points
• 21st in rush attempts
• 16th in pass attempts

Notably, his units ranked 8th (2021) and 4th (2024) in pace.

In 2021 – with Kirk Cousins at QB – the Vikings ranked 21st in pass rate and pass rate over expected.

Last year, in a much less stable situation, New Orleans finished 19th in pass rate; 25th in pass rate over expected.

Expect a balanced offensive approach with the Seahawks.