# Veterans Boost NFL Teams

> Veterans like Sam Darnold help teams reach Super Bowls.
- Title: Veterans Boost NFL Teams · CBS Sports | Shortify
- Summary: Veterans like Sam Darnold help teams reach Super Bowls. Seattle Seahawks signed Sam Darnold to a $100.5 million contract after trading Geno Smith, leading to…
- Keywords: seattle, seahawks, sam darnold, nfl, kenneth walker iii, kirk cousins, trent mcduffie, dexter lawrence, deebo samuel, isaiah likely, nakobe dean, kalif raymond
- Source: CBS Sports — https://cbssports.com/nfl/news/agents-take-kenneth-walker-iii-best-veteran-acquisitions-nfl
- Published: 2026-10-07T18:49:11+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: seattle, seahawks, sam darnold, nfl, kenneth walker iii, kirk cousins, trent mcduffie, dexter lawrence, deebo samuel, isaiah likely, nakobe dean, kalif raymond
## Seattle Seahawks Pivot
The Seahawks signed Sam Darnold to a three-year, $100.5 million contract after Geno Smith's trade to the Las Vegas Raiders in March 2025.
## Darnold's Super Bowl Success
Darnold earned a Pro Bowl selection and led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl LX win with a 14-3 record and 31-27 victory over the Los Angeles Rams.
## Kenneth Walker III
The Chiefs signed Kenneth Walker III to a three-year, $43.05 million contract with $28.7 million fully guaranteed.
## Walker's Stats
Walker leads the NFL in rushing yards and yards from scrimmage with 537 and 621, respectively, and averages 6.2 yards per carry.
## Kirk Cousins
The Raiders signed Kirk Cousins to a fully guaranteed one-year, $11.3 million deal to serve as a placeholder quarterback.
## Cousins' Performance
Cousins threw for 1,026 yards with 11 touchdowns and four interceptions in his first four games.
## Trent McDuffie
The Rams acquired Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs for a 2026 first-round pick and a 2026 fifth-round pick.
## McDuffie's Impact
McDuffie has a 21.1 passer rating with opposing quarterbacks completing only 27.8% of passes when targeting him.
## Dexter Lawrence
The Bengals signed Dexter Lawrence to a one-year, $28 million extension to anchor their run defense.
## Deebo Samuel
The 49ers signed Deebo Samuel to a one-year, $4.1 million deal after a trade request with the Washington Commanders.
## Isaiah Likely
The Giants signed Isaiah Likely to a three-year, $40 million deal with $26 million in guarantees.
## Kalif Raymond
The Bears signed Kalif Raymond to a one-year, $3.5 million contract to compete for the third wide receiver job.
## Key takeaway

Seattle Seahawks signed Sam Darnold to a $100.5 million contract after trading Geno Smith, leading to a Super Bowl LX win.