After one season with the San Francisco 49ers, Sam Darnold left for a breakout 2024 campaign with the Minnesota Vikings. He parlayed that success into a lucrative contract with the Seattle Seahawks, where he will now face his former team twice a year.

Just ask Sam Darnold. On Thursday, the Seattle Seahawks’ new $100.5 million quarterback who was once viewed as a first-round bust was asked at his introductory press conference about his unexpected upward career trajectory: How did he finally unlock the potential that made him the No.

"He's asked for a fresh start, and we're going to honor that," 49ers general manager John Lynch said. After the trade became official, Samuel posted messages on his Instagram story for several of his former offensive teammates,