The Seattle Seahawks find themselves in an advantageous position as they lead the NFC West, with a crucial victory in Week 18 capable of securing not only the division title but also the top seed in the NFC and a highly coveted first-round playoff bye. This season has been remarkable for the Seahawks, particularly for quarterback Sam Darnold, who has made a significant impact on the team’s success.
After signing a lucrative $100.5 million contract with Seattle, Darnold has additional financial incentives on the line this season, totaling up to $5 million. According to ESPN’s Marc Raimondi, Darnold is in a position to unlock various performance-based incentives as he heads into Week 17. There are multiple thresholds he could meet, all within reach as the regular season nears its end.
To start with, Darnold has already exceeded the passer rating requirement with a current mark of 100.6. He can earn an additional $500,000 if he maintains this standard by season’s end. However, to secure extra cash, he needs to achieve at least 28 passing touchdowns—only four more than his current tally of 24. With two games remaining against the Carolina Panthers and the San Francisco 49ers, the opportunity to reach this milestone is quite attainable.
Additionally, Darnold is 297 passing yards shy of securing another $500,000 incentive and needs a few complete passes to meet the completion percentage target of 67.5%, which sits at 67.2% currently. Achieving these feats will greatly enhance his earning potential.
Team performance is another key factor; if Seattle’s offense finishes in the top-10 overall, Darnold will receive another $500,000. The Seahawks’ playoff berth has already been secured, granting him another $500,000, with future postseason bonuses providing lucrative opportunities as well. These bonuses include $1 million for a divisional round win, $1.5 million for an NFC Championship victory, and $2.5 million for capturing the Super Bowl, contingent on him playing 70% of snaps during the playoffs.
As Darnold enters the final stretch of the regular season, the coming weeks could prove pivotal, offering him the chance to significantly increase his earnings while contributing to the Seahawks’ pursuit of a successful playoff run. The future looks promising for both Darnold and the Seahawks, as team and individual achievements align for a potentially rewarding finish.