Sam Darnold: San Francisco 49ers backup QB | Salary, contract, college, position, height

Sam Darnold is the backup quarterback for the San Francisco 49ers, who are set to face the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII. Darnold was traded from the New York Jets in 2022, after spending three seasons. He has been a reliable and supportive backup for Brock Purdy, the 49ers’ Mr. Irrelevant who has become an NFL sensation.

What is Sam Darnold salary and contract with the 49ers?

Darnold is currently playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie contract, which pays him $18.858 million for the 2023 season. He will be an unrestricted free agent in 2024, unless the 49ers sign him to an extension or use the franchise tag on him.

Darnold signed a four-year contract worth $30.247 million with the Jets in 2018, after being drafted third overall in the 2018 NFL draft. His contract included a $20.167 million signing bonus and $30.247 million guaranteed.

Darnold had a disappointing tenure with the Jets, posting a 13-25 record as a starter, with 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions. He also dealt with injuries and illnesses, missing 10 games in three seasons. He was traded to the 49ers in April 2022, in exchange for a 2022 sixth-round pick and a 2023 second-round pick.

Sam Darnold college years before being drafted by the Jets

Darnold played college football at the University of Southern California. He was a two-year starter for the Trojans, throwing for 7,229 yards, 57 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions in 27 games. He also ran for 332 yards and 7 touchdowns. He led USC to a Rose Bowl victory in 2016 and a Pac-12 championship in 2017. He was named the Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year and the Rose Bowl MVP in 2016.

Moreover, he was widely regarded as one of the best quarterback prospects in the 2018 NFL draft, along with Baker Mayfield, Josh Allen, Josh Rosen, and Lamar Jackson.

He decided to forgo his final two years of eligibility and declare for the draft, where he was selected by the Jets with the third overall pick. The Californian stands at 6 feet 3 inches tall, which is about average for an NFL quarterback. He weighs 225 pounds, which is also typical for his position.