The Seattle Seahawks were expected to struggle when they traded away nine-time Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson and named veteran Geno Smith as their starter. Smith, who became an opening day starter for the first time since 2014, had been written off by the national media. The only problem, he would later say, was that he didn't write back.

The Seahawks are betting on the philosophy change Darnold adopted the last few years with the 49ers and Vikings will carry over to Seattle.

And at least some of the fine points in Sam Darnold’s Seahawks contract began to be revealed on Sunday. The contract Darnold signed with the Seahawks on Thursday — which he initially agreed to on Monday — was advertised as three years and worth up to $100.