Proposed Trade Has Seahawks Swap Sam Darnold for $212 Million Ex-Pro Bowl QB
The Seattle Seahawks are coming off an offseason with several major quarterback moves. Seattle opted to trade Geno Smith and later sign Sam Darnold as the team’s new QB1.
The Seahawks also selected Jalen Milroe in the third round of the 2025 NFL draft, but the former Alabama standout still appears to need some experience before being able to make a major impact. Trading Smith was done in part as a financial move as the Seahawks could not agree on a contact extension with the former Pro Bowler.
Ultimately, Smith signed a two-year, $75 million extension, putting him under contract with the Las Vegas Raiders through 2027. Darnold inked a three-year, $100 million deal, meaning the Seahawks quarterback is signed through 2027 as well.
Comparing the two deals shows Seattle saved a little more than $4 million annually, on average, by signing Darnold over Smith’s eventual contract. Not everyone is convinced that Darnold is a viable solution for the Seahawks.
Could Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa be a better fit for the Seahawks?
Proposed Trade Has Seahawks Give Up Massive Haul for Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa
Sports Illustrated’s Thomas Carelli floated a wild blockbuster quarterback swap. The proposed trade has the Seahawks landing Tagovailoa while sending Darnold and a haul to South Beach.
Seattle also trades two first-round picks (2026, 2027) and a third rounder (2027) to Miami as part of the deal. The analyst makes the argument for why the Seahawks may consider giving up this many assets in the deal.
“Tua Tagovailoa is still a solid quarterback when healthy,” Carelli wrote in a September 8, story titled, “NFL Mock Trade: Tua Tagovailoa Sent to Seattle Seahawks for Sam Darnold.” “A team like Seattle may decide that they can get a quarterback that fits their run-pass scheme very well. Tua carries a cap hit of well over $50M AAV, but Darnold carries $33.9M in 2026 and $41.9M in 2027. This contract swap is not as drastic as you would think for Seattle.
“The Seahawks have Klint Kubiak as their new offensive coordinator and he loves a run-to-pass concept. This is where Tua has thrived with Mike McDaniel. Short-passes to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp where Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet run wild could be reminiscent of that lethal 2023 Dolphins team.”
Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa Has a Concerning Injury History
While this is a fun thought exercise, the Seahawks should hang up immediately if this kind of trade is ever on the table. Seattle should not give up three significant future draft picks for a quarterback with a checkered injury history.
Tagovailoa missed six games in 2024 and has unfortunately dealt with multiple concussions in addition to other injuries. The Dolphins quarterback’s four-year, $212 million contract is slated to go through 2028.
Tagovailoa’s best season came in 2023 when the quarterback threw for 4,624 yards, 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions while completing 69.3% of his passes in 17 starts during his lone Pro Bowl campaign.
This Seahawks-Dolphins Trade Proposal Is a Hard Pass for Seattle
The trade has the Seahawks acquiring an expensive quarterback with availability that has been much more of a question mark than Darnold. Even if this were a one-for-one quarterback swap, it is hard to feel confident that Tagovailoa would make Seattle significantly better.
It is way too small of a sample size to dismiss Darnold as the Seahawks QB1. If Seattle does eventually hit the reset button, the front office may be wiser to address the position with a first-round draft pick rather than trade for an expensive quarterback.
Broncos Legend Karl Mecklenburg Delivers Telling Take After Historic Announcement
The Denver Broncos are staying local, and the historic decision has led to an incredible outpouring of support from both current and former franchise figures. Six-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro former Broncos edge defender Karl Mecklenburg is among them.
Mecklenburg’s support comes on the heels of the announcement that the Broncos are targeting Burnham Yard for the site of their new, retractable-roof stadium.
They hope to open their new home for the 2031 season.
Legendary Bronco Karl Mecklenburg Praises Ownership
GettyKarl Mecklenburg #77 of the Denver Broncos runs with the ball during a game against the Arizona Cardinals.
Mecklenburg, a member of the Broncos’ Ring of Honor, where he was inducted in 2001, noted uncertainty if fans were “
“I’m so proud to be a Bronco today!” Mecklenburg posted on X on September 9. “The Walton Penner Group never mentioned the possibility of leaving Colorado but as owners of the franchise they could have. Their commitment to Bronco Country, to the team, and to building the premier sports franchise in the country is inspiring. They’re driven to compete on and off the field and are investing in making it happen.”
Mecklenburg added, “Building a new stadium isn’t charity. It’s a smart business move.”
The Broncos won their first game of the year with a dominant defensive effort. You’re usually going to win when your opponent doesn’t score a touchdown. They need to play better on offense to continue to win.
I’m so proud to be a Bronco today! The team and the stadium are… pic.twitter.com/bqEY91b7pb
— Karl Mecklenburg CSP, NFL (@KarlMecklenburg) September 9, 2025
Mecklenburg noted that stadium revenue is not part of the collective sharing that NFL teams do, and the Broncos’ owners are funding their new digs privately, a route that has drawn attention.
“They not only say they want to win but have shown their commitment repeatedly and consistently since walking in the door,” Mecklenburg posted about the Broncos’ owners, who took control in 2022. “Thanks to WPG, there will be Super Bowls hosted in Denver and more Super Bowls won by our Broncos. Thanks Walton Penner Group. Go Broncos!”
Mecklenburg’s support aligns with the sentiments of current players.
Bo Nix, Current Broncos Weigh In on New Stadium
GettyBo Nix #10 of the Denver Broncos warms up before facing the Tennessee Titans.
The Broncos have never played in a dome, even one that retracts, making the new stadium a historic move that has plenty of current players, including quarterback Bo Nix, excited.
“Let’s GO,” Nix exclaimed in a post on X on September 9 as one of several players to share the team’s stadium hype video. “What an exciting opportunity for our team, our fans and this city. Thank you Greg and Carrie Penner for your vision and leadership. Can’t wait!”
Cornerback and reigning Defensive Player of the Year Pat Surtain II also chimed in.
“I can’t wait to see what this brings in the future!” Surtain posted on X on September 9. “Love seeing Greg and Carrie continue to invest in this team and city!”
“This is a really important milestone. But we have a long way to go. We've got to roll up our sleeves and get to work.” – Broncos Owner & CEO Greg Penner
Broncos Owners Greg Penner & Carrie Walton Penner join civic leaders in embracing “win-win-win” with Denver’s Burnham Yard… pic.twitter.com/XBOSK0MUHP
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 9, 2025
“Huge news!” recently minted outside linebacker Nik Bonitto said in a post following the news.
“Greg and Carrie Penner continue to invest in our team and city!”
Second-team All-Pro defensive lineman Zach Allen, another recently extended player, posted that the decision “is awesome! Love this investment from Greg and Carrie and so excited to keep playing in the best city for the best fans!”
Broncos Getting Love Inside & Outside of Franchise
GettyBroncos head coach Sean Payton poses with general manager George Paton, owners Carrie Walton Penner and Condoleezza Rice, and owner and CEO Greg Penner during a press conference.
Broncos president Damani Leech also professed his appreciation for the Walton-Penner group’s impact since assuming control three years ago.
“Greg & Carrie have been the driving force behind this unprecedented investment in our community and #BroncosCountry,” Leech noted in his post. “Along with the @CityofDenver and @StateofColorado we have a lot of hard work ahead of to make this dream become a reality in 2031!
“Go Broncos!”
“Denver has been the proud home of the Broncos since Day 1. This community-inspired vision will allow our city and team to continue to grow and thrive together at Burnham Yard.”
In a joint letter, Broncos Owners Greg Penner & Carrie Walton Penner join @denversmayor & @GovofCO in… pic.twitter.com/ULGftc9v6G
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) September 9, 2025
The love for the Broncos’ stadium plans has not stopped with those who have existing or even previous direct ties to the franchise, with The Athletic’s James Palmer posting on X, “This is great for our city.”
