NFL trade works with the domino effect, where one shift alters the free agency and draft decisions across the league. Remember when the Rams traded for Matthew Stafford and won the Super Bowl? Or, when the Bears moved Justin Fields, setting off a quarterback shuffle? Now, the Seahawks‘ unexpected trade of Geno Smith to the Raiders signals a new quarterback shuffle. A big name will land in Seattle. So, let’s find out who’s really winning in this latest roster shake-up.

As per The Athletic‘s Diana Russini, Aaron Rodgers might have once again blown the quarterback market, but this time at the expense of Sam Darnold. The Vikings are eyeing backup passer Daniel Jones‘s services while 2024 rookie J.J. McCarthy continues to recover from a torn meniscus. And if this deal fails, they could show interest in Rodgers, forcing Darnold out of the Vikings’ plans. The Jets announced in February that they’re moving on from Rodgers after two seasons.

In Darnold’s dream, he had a golden opportunity with the Vikings in 2024, and he made the most of it until he was left scrambling for a new team. Looking back, after signing a one-year, $10 million deal, he got in when rookie J.J. McCarthy went down with a preseason injury. Darnold led Minnesota to a 14-2 record while throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns and posting a 102.5 passer rating. He also got NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors in September and earned his first Pro Bowl. With numbers like that, it seemed like he had a real shot at becoming the Vikings’ long-term guy.

The shift in the Vikings’ quarterback plans suggests they will either go all-in on J.J. McCarthy or bring in another veteran. While McCarthy is talented, he remains unproven, and Minnesota can’t afford to gamble on an untested QB without a backup plan. Plenty of teams need a reliable starter, giving him multiple options. The Seahawks, Steelers, and even the Falcons could be in the mix. Although this shift alters the Vikings’ immediate plans, it also creates an opportunity for Darnold to land in a better long-term situation.

Sam Darnold is to join a $4.5 billion rival franchise

The good news is, Darnold won’t be on a quest for long. According to recent reports by the Athletic, he is about to join a $4.5 billion franchise, the Seattle Seahawks. The team has recently traded their veteran QB Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders, reuniting Smith with HC Pete Carroll, in exchange for a 2025 3rd-round pick. Smith was a reliable starter for Seattle over the past three seasons and earned two Pro Bowls during his tenure.

At present, the Seahawks need an experienced starter. So, Darnold’s availability presents a timely solution for Seattle’s quarterback dilemma. They are exploring potential replacements. Like, in Darnold, they see his mobility and ability to execute play-action passes. He aligns well with Shane Waldron‘s style of quick decision-making.

And Seattle’s roster is filled with young offensive talents: Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Kenneth Walker III, and Zach Charbonnet. This lineup makes them a great option for any QB seeking a supportive environment. Before focusing on Darnold, the Seahawks also considered other options, like Sam Howell, who was acquired from the Washington Commanders in 2024. But for Howell’s limited experience and performance, they doubted his readiness to lead as a starter.

In Sam Darnold’s eyes, joining the Seahawks is a good opportunity for his career. Seattle’s offensive system will offer him the platform he needs. The Seahawks’ roster provides Darnold with a strong supporting cast, including emerging offensive weapons and a solid defense, creating an environment conducive to success. This move offers Darnold the chance to establish himself as a franchise QB, shedding the journeyman label that has followed him in recent years.

Darnold’s NFL journey has been full of twists. He went from a potential starter in Minnesota to joining a rival team with big expectations. We are yet to see if this move works out. But no doubt, Aaron Rodgers played a huge role in reshaping Darnold’s future.