Sam Darnold teams he played for remain a major topic of interest as the veteran quarterback continues his NFL career in the 2025–26 postseason. As of today, January 18, 2026, Darnold has built a unique résumé that spans multiple franchises, each chapter shaping his evolution from a top draft pick to an established starting quarterback.
This article provides a fully verified, up-to-date, and factual breakdown of every NFL team Sam Darnold has played for, with a clear timeline and performance context for each stop.
Table of Contents
Sam Darnold Teams He Played For (Official List)
Sam Darnold has played for five NFL franchises during his professional career:
| Years | Team |
|---|---|
| 2018–2020 | New York Jets |
| 2021–2022 | Carolina Panthers |
| 2023 | San Francisco 49ers |
| 2024 | Minnesota Vikings |
| 2025–Present | Seattle Seahawks |
This list reflects every confirmed team appearance by Darnold through the 2025 NFL season and the ongoing 2026 playoffs.
New York Jets (2018–2020)
The New York Jets selected Sam Darnold with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He became the franchise’s starting quarterback as a rookie and held that role for three seasons.
During his time with the Jets:
- He started the majority of games from 2018 through 2020.
- He faced frequent roster turnover and coaching changes.
- He showed flashes of high-level arm talent and mobility.
Although team success was limited, Darnold gained valuable experience as a full-time starter in one of the league’s most demanding markets.
Carolina Panthers (2021–2022)
Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers ahead of the 2021 season. He entered the year as the projected starter and remained with the team through the 2022 season.
Key points from his Panthers tenure:
- Opened 2021 as the starting quarterback.
- Shared starting and backup duties due to injuries and competition.
- Played in a system that emphasized quick reads and short passing.
His two seasons in Carolina added depth to his experience in different offensive schemes and coaching environments.
San Francisco 49ers (2023)
In 2023, Sam Darnold signed with the San Francisco 49ers. He primarily served as a backup quarterback on a roster built for championship contention.
This season provided:
- Exposure to a complex, timing-based offensive system.
- Work within one of the league’s most stable coaching structures.
- Limited on-field action but significant preparation responsibilities.
The 49ers year was a development phase that helped refine his decision-making and pocket management.
Minnesota Vikings (2024)
The 2024 season marked a major turning point in Darnold’s career. He joined the Minnesota Vikings and delivered the best statistical performance of his professional career.
Notable achievements in Minnesota:
- Threw for over 4,300 passing yards.
- Recorded 35 touchdown passes.
- Led the team to a 14–3 regular-season record.
- Earned Pro Bowl selection.
This season changed the narrative around his career, proving he could operate at an elite level with the right system and supporting cast.
Seattle Seahawks (2025–Present)
In 2025, Sam Darnold signed with the Seattle Seahawks and became the team’s starting quarterback. His arrival followed his breakout year in Minnesota and came with clear expectations of leadership and stability.
With Seattle, he has:
- Thrown for over 4,000 yards in the 2025 regular season.
- Led the Seahawks to a top seed in the NFC.
- Guided the offense into the 2026 postseason.
As of January 2026, he remains the Seahawks’ starting quarterback, entering the divisional playoff round while managing a minor oblique injury. His status is closely monitored, but he continues to be central to the team’s championship hopes.
Career Progression by Team
New York Jets
Development phase as a young franchise quarterback under heavy pressure.
Carolina Panthers
System transition years with mixed starting and backup responsibilities.
San Francisco 49ers
Learning period within a playoff-caliber organization.
Minnesota Vikings
Breakout season with Pro Bowl recognition and career-best production.
Seattle Seahawks
Current leadership role with postseason success and long-term contract stability.
Why Sam Darnold’s Team History Matters
Tracking Sam Darnold teams he played for reveals a rare career arc. Few quarterbacks move from early struggles to late-career resurgence across multiple franchises. His journey reflects adaptability, persistence, and steady improvement rather than a straight upward trajectory.
Each stop contributed specific growth:
- The Jets gave him early starting reps.
- The Panthers tested his resilience.
- The 49ers refined his preparation habits.
- The Vikings unlocked his full statistical potential.
- The Seahawks entrusted him with a playoff-ready roster.
This progression explains why he now commands respect as a proven NFL starter rather than a former high draft pick searching for stability.
Complete Timeline Recap
- Drafted by New York in 2018.
- Traded to Carolina in 2021.
- Signed with San Francisco in 2023.
- Joined Minnesota in 2024.
- Signed with Seattle in 2025 and remains there today.
Every team in this sequence is officially documented, and no additional franchises are part of his playing history as of today.
Sam Darnold’s career path shows how persistence can reshape a quarterback’s legacy, and his current run with Seattle continues to add new chapters worth watching.
