Sam Darnold Net Worth Overview
Sam Darnold net worth is around $22 million. Darnold is pretty well known in the NFL because he is a good quarterback with a strong arm and good field vision. Scouts were struck by how well he led and played at the University of Southern California (USC), where he had a great college career. He went into his professional career with high hopes. The New York Jets picked Darnold with the third overall pick in the 2018 draft. By showing glimpses of his skill, he showed that he could lead an attack in tough conditions.
Main Source of Income
Primary Source of Income: NFL Contracts
Mr Sam Darnold’s net wealth comes from a number of smart NFL contracts that show how good he is as a quarterback and how much he can earn. This is a list of all of his contracts over the years:
Deal with the Minnesota Vikings for 2024
Sam Darnold got a 10-million-dollar deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. This deal gives Darnold a signing bonus of $6,250,000 and guaranteed money of $8,750,000, for a total annual salary of $10,000,000.
- Base Salary: $2,500,000
- Signing Bonus: $6,250,000
- Workout Bonus: $250,000
- Cap Hit: $5,000,000
- Dead Cap Value: $8,750,000
Contract Notes:
- $8.75 million is fully guaranteed (signing bonus + 2024 salary).
- Per Game Active Bonus: $58,823 per game, totaling up to $1,000,000 if he plays all games.
- Voidable Years: The contract includes voidable years from 2025-2028, which will automatically void 23 days before the 2025 league year begins.
2024-2024 (Current)
| Years | Age | CapHit | Cap% | Cash Annual | Cash Cumulative | Dead Cap Annual |
| 2024 | 27 | $5,000,000 | 1.96% | $10,000,000 | $10,000,000 | $8,750,000 |
2023 Contract with the San Francisco 49ers
Darnold signed a one-year, $4,500,000 deal with the San Francisco 49ers in 2023. The signing bonus was $1,500,000, and the guaranteed money was $3,500,000. The average yearly salary was $4,500,000. He was able to show off his skills with a new team, and the deal gave him financial security.
2023-2023
| Contract Terms | Average Salary | Signing Bonus | GTD at Sign | Total GTD | Free Agent |
| 1 yr(s) / $4,500,000 | $4,500,000 | $1,500,000 | $3,500,000 | $3,500,000 | 2024 / UFA |
2018-2022 Contract with the New York Jets
After being picked up by the New York Jets in the draft, Darnold signed a four-year, $30,247,715 deal. This deal came with a big signing bonus of $20,078,338 and a fixed annual salary of $7,561,929 on average. This was the first contract he signed after moving from college to the NFL, and it set the stage for his future.
2018-2022
| Contract Terms | Average Salary | Signing Bonus | GTD at Sign | Total GTD | Free Agent |
| 4 yr(s) / $30,247,715 | $7,561,929 | 20,078,338 | $30,247,715 | $30,247,715 | 2023 / UFA |
Summary
From his big first deal with the Jets to his later deals with the 49ers and Vikings, Sam Darnold’s contracts over the years show how valuable he is as a quarterback. His work history shows that he can find great deals and take advantage of new chances. This has helped him get more experience in his field and make more money.
Secondary Source of Income: Endorsements and Sponsorships
Brand Sponsorships: Collaborations with athletic apparel brands, sports equipment companies, and lifestyle products
Social Media Partnerships:Sam Darnold active presence on social media provides opportunities to promote products, brands, and causes
Community Engagement and Appearances: He participates in community events, football camps, and public appearances, which can offer additional income and strengthen his public image.
Sam Darnold Net Worth Comparison With Other Player
| Sr | Sam Darnold Net worth | Other Players | Net Worth |
| 1 | $22 million | Montez Sweat net worth | $25 million |
| 2 | $22 million | Roy Robertson-Harris net worth | $25 million |
| 3 | $22 million | Zaire Franklin Net Worth | $6 million |
| 4 | $22 million | Kenny Pickett net worth | $6 million |
| 5 | $22 million | Van Jefferson net worth | $1.3 million |
| 6 | $22 million | Josh Downs Net Worth | $1 million |
Money Making Journey / Career
1.Startup
College Career
2015 Season
Sam Darnold was initially recruited to the University of Southern California (USC) by defensive coordinator Justin Wilcox, who considered him for a linebacker role. However, Darnold ultimately joined as a quarterback and redshirted his freshman year in 2015, sitting behind Cody Kessler and Max Browne on the depth chart.
2016 Season
In 2016, Darnold started the season as the backup quarterback to Max Browne but quickly made his way into the starting role. After USC began the season with a 1–2 record, Browne was benched, and Darnold took over as the starter. In his first start against Utah, Darnold completed 18 of 26 passes for 253 yards and a rushing touchdown. Despite a close loss, Darnold led USC to a winning streak that included a notable 26–13 upset over the #4-ranked Washington Huskies.
Darnold set a USC rookie record with 26 touchdowns thrown during the season. He also threw more than one score in eight straight games. He also ran for 230 yards, which is the most by a USC QB since 1991. He was named the 2016 Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year for his work.
In the 2017 Rose Bowl against Penn State, Darnold had a breakout game, completing 33 of 53 passes for 453 yards, setting Rose Bowl records for passing touchdowns (5) and total yards (473) in a thrilling 52–49 victory. His 453 passing yards were the second-highest in Rose Bowl history. His remarkable season earned him the Archie Griffin Award and a place on the Football Writers Association of America’s Freshman All-America team.
2017 Season
Entering the 2017 season as a redshirt sophomore, Darnold was considered an early favorite for the Heisman Trophy. The season had its challenges; he dealt with interceptions and had to adjust to a new receiving group. Despite this, Darnold led USC to a 42–24 victory over Stanford and orchestrated a game-tying drive against Texas, eventually winning in overtime. Darnold capped off the season by leading USC to a Pac–12 Conference championship and was named the MVP of the title game. However, USC fell to Ohio State in the Cotton Bowl, where Darnold threw for 356 yards in a 24–7 loss.
College Statistics Summary
- 2016: 13 games, 67.2% completion, 3,086 passing yards, 31 TDs, 9 INTs, 250 rushing yards, 2 rushing TDs.
- 2017: 14 games, 63.1% completion, 4,143 passing yards, 26 TDs, 13 INTs, 82 rushing yards, 5 rushing TDs.
- Career Totals: 27 games, 64.9% completion, 7,229 passing yards, 57 TDs, 22 INTs, 332 rushing yards, 7 rushing TDs.
2.Professional
New York Jets (2018-2020)
Sam Darnold with the third seed was chosen by the New York Jets following the 2018 NFL Draft. Promised $30.25 million, he agreed to work for the firm for four years. In the preseason 2018 Darnold participated in his first NFL game. Then he became the regular season starting quarterback for the Jets. Against the Detroit Lions in his debut game, on September 10, 2018, he passed for 198 yards and two TDs. Early in the game one of his interceptions was recovered for a score. Darnold shown a lot of promise in his debut season with 2,865 passing yards, 17 touchdowns, and 15 interceptions. He wasn’t always good, though, as injuries and blunders cost him several games. He experienced both significant gains and losses at the end of the season, including a stunning Week 14 comeback against the Buffalo Bills.
Darnold missed three games in 2019 because to mononucleosis. Returning, he guided the Jets for a 24–22 victory over the Dallas Cowboys. At season’s conclusion, he had passed for 13 interceptions, 19 touchdowns, and 3,024 yards. He performed admirably against the Oakland Raiders and scored four touchdowns against the Washington Redskins among other fantastic games. Darnold struggled 2020 since he lacked consistency and constantly hurting. A shoulder ailment caused him to miss games, hence he had to play with a poor squad. At the end of the season, the Jets had a 2–14 record; he ended with 2,208 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions.
Carolina Panthers (2021-2022)
On April 5, 2021, the Carolina Panthers acquired Darnold in a deal for draft selections. Starting 2021 with passing for279 yards and one score against his former team, the Jets, he got off to a decent start. A shattered scapula and a shoulder ailment that kept him out for some time, however, marred his season. Darnold has passed for 2,527 yards, scored 9 touchdowns, and tossed 13 interceptions by the end of the season. He ground scored five as well. Though he had promise early on, the Panthers ended the season with a 4–7 record.
Darnold was appointed the backup quarterback following the Panthers’ 2022 trade for Baker Mayfield. Following Mayfield’s ankle injury and some recovery, Darnold replaced him as the starting. The Panthers defeated Lions, Seahawks, and Broncos—all extremely significant victories. In six games during the season he passed for 1,143 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. Nevertheless, the Panthers elected not to extend his contract as he performed poorly in the last game of the season against the Saints. Darnold was therefore a free agent.
San Francisco 49ers (2023)
On March 16, 2023 Darnold agreed a one-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers. Originally assigned as Brock Purdy’s backup quarterback, he started in the 49ers’ postseason game following their first place acquisition. Although the New York Jets fell 21–20 to the Los Angeles Rams, Darnold made 16 of 26 throws for 189 yards, a score, and a ground touchdown.
Minnesota Vikings (2024-Present)
On March 13, 2024 Darnold signed a one-year contract with the Minnesota Vikings for $10 million. He was meant to fight for starting quarterback alongside fresh quarterback J.J. McCarthy. Darnold was assigned the starting quarterback, though, when McCarthy injured himself in the preseason and missed play-through. Darnold had a strong beginning in 2024. Hitting 19 of 24 passes for 208 yards and two scores, he guided the Vikings to a 28–6 victory over the Giants in his debut game. He then performed quite well against the Texans and the 49ers. Having thrown for 932 yards, 11 touchdowns, and the league’s greatest passer rating—118.9—he was voted NFC Offensive Player of the Month for September.
| Years | Team | Game Played | Completion % | Yards | Touchdowns | Interceptions | Rating |
| 2024 | Vikings | 6 (ongoing) | 69.5% | 1,900 | 17 | 7 | 107.8 |
| 2023 | 49ers | 1 | 60.9% | 297 | 2 | 1 | 85.1 |
| 2022 | Panthers | 6 | 58.6% | 1143 | 7 | 3 | 92.6 |
| 2021 | Panthers | 12 | 59.9% | 2,527 | 9 | 13 | 71.9 |
| 2020 | Jets | 12 | 59.6% | 2208 | 9 | 11 | 72.7 |
| 2019 | Jets | 13 | 61.9% | 3,024 | 19 | 13 | 84.3 |
| 2018 | Jets | 13 | 57.7% | 2865 | 17 | 15 | 77.6 |
| Career | —— | 57 | 60.8% | 2,865 | 80 | 63 | 81.6 |
Career Totals
- Games Played: 63
- Completion %: 60.8%
- Total Yards: 13,964
- Total Touchdowns: 80
- Total Interceptions: 63
- Passer Rating: 81.6
Sam Darnold’s career has been one of perseverance, with flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistency. After a promising start with the Jets, his career has had some ups and downs, but in 2024, he seems to have found his stride with the Minnesota Vikings. His leadership and solid performances have contributed to the team’s early success in the season, and he continues to show that he can be a key player in the NFL.
Who Is Sam Darnold ?
Samuel Richard Darnold (born June 5, 1997) is an American professional football quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings of the National Football League (NFL). He played college football for the USC Trojans and was selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft. At 21 years old, Darnold became the NFL’s youngest opening-day starting quarterback since the AFL-NFL merger. He was the Jets’ starting quarterback from 2018 to 2020 before being traded to the Carolina Panthers in 2021. After two seasons with the Panthers, he joined the San Francisco 49ers for a year as a backup. In 2024, Darnold signed a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.
Personal Life
Born in Dana Point, California, Darnold attended San Clemente High School, where he initially played baseball before switching to football and basketball. In basketball, he was twice named the South Coast League MVP and was also named to the all-CIF team. His basketball skills helped his football game, with his coach comparing his ability to throw long passes to that of NBA legend Wes Unseld.
Darnold first played football as a wide receiver and then as a defender. When the main quarterback got hurt, he moved to quarterback. He lead his team to the CIF-Southern Section Southwest Division championship game as a senior. He threw for 3,000 yards and 39 touchdowns and ran for 800 yards and 13 scores. Darnold was a four-star prospect and got offers from a number of schools. He chose to play for USC after impressing coaches at a football camp.
Family
Sam Darnold’s family includes his father Michael Darnold, his mother Chris Darnold, and his sister Franki Darnold, who is a volleyball player.
Physical Appearance
Sam Darnold is 225 pounds and is 6 feet 3 inches tall. He is known for having a strong body, and his athleticism fits his job as a quarterback. His height and weight give him a strong presence on the field, and his arm strength and ability to move around help him play the way he does. Darnold looks neat and usually has short brown hair. He also has the focused look of an NFL quarterback.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Sam Darnold
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What is Sam Darnold’s net worth in 2024?
Sam Darnold’s net worth is approximated at $22 million, mostly derived from his NFL contracts, endorsements, and sponsorships amassed over his career.
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How did Sam Darnold start his professional career?
After a great time at USC, Darnold was picked third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft. He was the NFL’s youngest quarterback to start on the first day of the season.
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What are the main sources of Sam Darnold’s income?
His main source of income is NFL contracts, but he also makes money from social media relationships, advertising, and deals with sports and lifestyle brands.
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What are the details of Sam Darnold’s 2024 contract with the Minnesota Vikings?
When Darnold signed a 10-million-dollar deal with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024, he got $8.75 million guaranteed, a signing bonus of $6.25 million, a workout bonus of $250,000, and an active bonus of $58,823 per game.
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What notable achievements did Sam Darnold have in college football?
During his time at USC, Darnold set records for passing touchdowns as a freshman and had standout performances in the Rose Bowl and Pac-12 championship games. He was awarded Pac-12 Freshman Offensive Player of the Year in 2016.
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How has Sam Darnold’s NFL journey progressed over the years?
He began with the Jets from 2018 to 2020, moved to the Panthers for two seasons, joined the 49ers as a backup in 2023, and then signed with the Vikings in 2024, where he has shown strong performances. -
What are Sam Darnold’s current career stats?
As of the 2024 season, Darnold has played 63 games, with a 60.8% completion rate, 13,964 total passing yards, 80 touchdowns, and a career passer rating of 81.6. -
What is Sam Darnold’s physical appearance?
Darnold is 6 feet 3 inches tall, weighs 225 pounds, and has a sturdy, athletic build ideal for his quarterback role. He typically sports short brown hair.
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Does Sam Darnold have a secondary source of income?
Yes, Darnold has endorsement deals with sports brands and engages in social media partnerships. He also participates in community events and appearances, which enhance his public profile and provide additional income.
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Where was Sam Darnold born, and what is his early sports background?
Sam Darnold was born in Dana Point, California, and attended San Clemente High School, where he played baseball, basketball, and football. His background in multiple sports contributed to his athleticism on the football field.
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Who are Sam Darnold’s family members?
Sam’s family includes his father, Michael, his mother, Chris, and his sister, Franki, who is a volleyball player.
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What impact did Sam Darnold have in the 2024 NFL season with the Vikings?
In 2024, Darnold had a strong start with the Vikings, earning NFC Offensive Player of the Month honors for September after throwing for 932 yards and 11 touchdowns with a passer rating of 118.9.
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What challenges has Sam Darnold faced in his NFL career?
Darnold has dealt with injuries and team changes, including a trade from the Jets to the Panthers, and later joining the 49ers and Vikings. Despite these challenges, he continues to demonstrate his skill and adaptability in the league.
