Image source: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
Sam Darnold isn’t just trying to help the Seattle Seahawks climb the NFC ladder — he’s also closing in on a massive payday. The veteran quarterback has a chance to cash in up to $1,000,000 in bonuses over the final stretch of the regular season, depending on how he performs in the last four games.
Sam Darnold’s deal with Seattle, a three-year contract worth $100.5 million signed in 2025, comes loaded with incentives. In total, he can earn up to $2.5 million in bonuses, with five major statistical goals worth $500,000 apiece. Hitting just two of them before the end of Week 15 would land him the seven-figure payout.
Those goals cover five season-long categories:
- A passer rating over 100
- Completion percentage above 67.5%
- 28 passing touchdowns
- 4,000 passing yards
- Taking part in no less than 70% of the offensive snaps
Sam Darnold has put together a solid season, but some of those milestones are still out of reach with only a handful of games left. He needs six more touchdown passes and 838 more passing yards to hit two of the big-money incentives. That breaks down to about 1.5 touchdowns and 209 yards per game the rest of the way — numbers he has shown he can reach, but with very little room for error.
And while the Seahawks fight for playoff positioning, the Colts are dealing with a surprising twist that could shake up Week 15.
Philip Rivers’ Possible Return Adds Drama
The Colts are deep in a quarterback crisis, and it may lead to one of the most unexpected moves of the season: Philip Rivers potentially unretiring and stepping in as their starter. Rivers, an eight-time Pro Bowler and seventh on the NFL’s all-time passing list, has reportedly been preparing for a return even though the team hasn’t confirmed anything publicly.
Seattle head coach Mike Macdonald isn’t taking any chances. Speaking to reporters, he made it clear the Seahawks are planning as if Rivers will be under center.
Macdonald said he has full confidence in him, telling The News Tribune’s Gregg Bell, “If anyone can make it happen, it’s him. He’s always been one of the fiercest competitors the NFL has ever seen, so we’re preparing as if he’s been on the field all season.”
While Indianapolis scrambles for stability — possibly turning to their fourth quarterback this season — the Seahawks have enjoyed consistency with Sam Darnold starting every game. His durability has helped keep Seattle’s offense on track during their playoff push.
High Stakes in Week 15
The Colts head to Seattle in a matchup that carries major postseason consequences. A win would bump Indy’s playoff chances close to 50%. A loss, however, could drop them to around 23%, putting their season in a dangerous place.
For Sam Darnold, the next four games won’t just shape the Seahawks’ playoff chances — they could also decide whether he brings home a very large check.
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