Source + player page
The Seattle Times Seahawks fantasy football takes on Sam Darnold
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from The Seattle Times Seahawks about Sam Darnold.
51
Insights
28
Positive
3
Negative
Insight ledger
All The Seattle Times Seahawks insights about Sam Darnold
PositiveProjectionSep 9, 2026
Darnold's 31 wins over the past two seasons including playoffs — tied for the fourth-most by a QB in NFL history — suggest strong repeat potential despite a new offensive coordinator in Brian Fleury. The source notes Darnold drew raves in the offseason program and training camp, with head coach Macdonald saying late in preseason: 'Sam's had a great camp. It's becoming a clearer plan on how we want to operate from now to go play the first game. He's been right there every step of the way. He's been tremendous.' His three-year, $100.5 million deal appears a relative bargain given his late-season performance: 13 touchdowns and just four interceptions in the final 10 games, plus a 5-to-0 touchdown-to-interception ratio in the playoffs.NegativeProjectionSep 9, 2026
Despite winning the Super Bowl, Darnold ranked 14th on The Athletic's annual quarterback tiers list in a survey of 50 league evaluators, tied with Baker Mayfield and six spots behind Drake Maye (the QB the Seahawks beat in the Super Bowl) and Jayden Daniels. Some maintain that Darnold, similar to Russell Wilson in 2013, was able to rely heavily on a defense that was the best in the NFL, raising questions about his individual quarterback performance.NegativeValueSep 9, 2026
Darnold is in the second season of a three-year, $100.5 million contract signed in March 2025, with an average salary of $33.5 million ranking 16th among QBs for the 2026 and 2027 seasons. The deal includes a $35.5 million salary for 2027 and a $10 million roster bonus due March 17. Another Super Bowl title or deep playoff run would likely make him deserving of a significant raise, potentially matching the $55 million per year of six QBs tied for third-highest QB salaries in 2026, or approaching Baker Mayfield's recent three-year, $165 million deal.PositiveProjectionSep 9, 2026
Darnold led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl championship in his first season after the Vikings released him as a free agent following 2024. He threw 13 touchdowns and just 4 interceptions in the Seahawks' final 10 games, including 5 TDs and no picks in three playoff games, demonstrating significant improvement after an early-season four-interception performance against the Rams in November.NegativeRoleSep 8, 2026
Sam Darnold was a backup with the 49ers in 2023 when Brian Fleury was the tight ends coach, and Darnold's recommendation helped sell Mike Macdonald on hiring Fleury as the Seahawks' offensive coordinator. Darnold praised Fleury's calm demeanor that doesn't change much based on the results of the previous play, describing him as 'very stoic' and 'even-keeled' with a dry sense of humor.PositiveProjectionSep 8, 2026
The quarterback is cemented as an effective passer and champion who never needed to be the team's hero in the first place. The source explicitly states it is not concerned about Darnold's performance and notes he is a key part of Seattle's balanced and dominant team makeup heading into 2026, alongside reigning Offensive Player of the Year Jaxon Smith-Njigba and a growing offensive line.NegativeBustSep 8, 2026
The source identifies Darnold's ball security as a legitimate concern despite his Super Bowl-winning 2025 season; he led the NFL with 20 turnovers in 2025 after finishing tied for fourth with 16 turnovers as the Vikings' starter in 2024. While he protected the football in a turnover-free trifecta of playoff wins, he must prove he can maintain ball security on a consistent basis. the source Warren Sharp noted that Darnold's turnover issues mean the Seahawks are only winning nine or so games despite their Super Bowl championship roster, and former ESPN personality Bomani Jones expressed skepticism about Darnold's quality compared to other starting quarterbacks like Kyler Murray.PositiveProjectionSep 7, 2026
Quarterback who has a chance to join the list of QBs to get to two Super Bowls in a row and repeat as champion; described as a backup just three years ago who might never have become a full-time starter again after flaming out in Carolina, making his potential success one of the biggest questions and storylines of the Seahawks' 2026 season, though the source notes there is no reason to say he can't after last season's performance.NegativeDepth ChartSep 1, 2026
Quarterback Sam Darnold is under contract through the 2027 season on a deal paying him $33.5 million per season and will face a significant extension question after the 2026 season.PositiveProjectionAug 31, 2026
Darnold ranked No. 21 on the NFL Top 100 Players of 2026 list, making him the third Seahawk from the reigning Super Bowl champion team to make the list. His ranking reflects peer recognition of his elite quarterback play in the championship season.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Darnold had a good camp and is secure as Seattle's starter entering the season.NegativeRoleAug 24, 2026
Seahawks starting quarterback assured a significant role this year; did not play in preseason game against Tennessee, resting with other starters as part of Seattle's approach to manage workload in preseason.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Starting quarterback; likely to get limited snaps Sunday if starters play at all. Last year played only one series in the second preseason game against Kansas City, driving 81 yards in 10 plays for a TD.PositiveUsageAug 21, 2026
Quarterback threw TD pass to George Holani during team session and worked with Jadarian Price in the passing game; praised Price's versatility, saying 'He's a special player. He's a really special player. He brings a different facet to the offense that only a guy like him can bring, whether it's catching passes out of the backfield, catching screens, running in between the tackles, outside the tackles — he can really do it all.'NegativeRoleAug 18, 2026
Seahawks quarterback; featured in Hard Knocks footage where Derick Hall came dangerously close to him on a powerful pass rush during practice, prompting Macdonald's coaching correction.NegativeProjectionAug 18, 2026
Darnold, the Seahawks quarterback, carries a $44.9 million cap hit in 2027; his cap number will almost certainly be reduced when he and the team agree to a new deal before next season, which is widely expected to happen.PositiveRoleAug 15, 2026
The source lists Darnold among the key additions to the Seahawks' roster in three seasons since the 2023 draft, identifying him as a domino piece in the construction of the NFL's most dominant defense and the team's path to a Super Bowl championship.NegativeRoleAug 14, 2026
Sam Darnold is the Seahawks quarterback; the source mentions drama surrounding his legacy as part of the team's recent narrative.NegativeRoleAug 12, 2026
Darnold is the Seahawks quarterback featured in Hard Knocks training camp footage, where he was involved in drills with defensive linemen including Derick Hall.NegativeProjectionAug 12, 2026
The source notes there was discussion of Sam Darnold's spin rate on his passes during the second Hard Knocks episode, indicating coaching staff attention to his mechanical development and passing technique.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
QB Darnold threw a long TD pass to receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba during practice, showing command of the offense.PositiveRoleAug 11, 2026
Quarterback Sam Darnold connected with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba on the biggest offensive play of the day, a 65-yard touchdown pass down the sideline.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
Darnold has had a solid camp, solidifying his position as the starting quarterback heading into the preseason.PositiveProjectionAug 7, 2026
Darnold continued a strong camp performance, appearing a step forward from where he was at this point last season. Despite two interceptions Friday, he was mostly mistake-free overall and looked in control of the offense. He keyed a scoring drive with a 25-yard pass to AJ Barner and capped it with a 5-yard TD dart to Kupp on third-and-goal. In red-zone drills, he had two straight TDs on perfectly placed tosses—one to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the corner of the end zone, the other over the top to Cody White in the back of the end zone.PositiveUsageAug 5, 2026
Darnold threw a touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp during an 11-on-11 series Tuesday in which the No. 1 offense competed against the No. 1 defense. The source also notes Darnold made comments on LeBron James' move to the 76ers that were featured on Hard Knocks.NegativeRoleAug 5, 2026
Seahawks QB featured prominently in Hard Knocks season premiere; fumbled his Super Bowl LX championship ring during opening segment when the Seahawks received their rings, creating an early memorable moment on the HBO behind-the-scenes series.NegativeUsageAug 5, 2026
During scrimmage sessions on Day 9 of training camp, Darnold connected with Cooper Kupp on a third-and-10 conversion at midfield, then later hit Kupp for a touchdown from the 5-yard line after a pass interference call on a third-down incompletion to Jaxon Smith-Njigba in the end zone.PositiveRoleAug 4, 2026
Darnold and Shaheed have developed strong chemistry through the offseason program and private summer workouts, with Macdonald noting both players are in a really good place. The focus during camp is on expanding Shaheed's route tree and creating timing between the two, with Macdonald stating they have way more banked reps together and are working on how far they can take that relationship.PositiveProjectionAug 2, 2026
Starter Sam Darnold has appeared sharp as ever in the first week of training camp.PositiveUsageAug 2, 2026
Quarterback Sam Darnold had an especially strong day on Day 7, throwing TD passes to Elijah Arroyo and Jaxon Smith-Njigba in 11-on-11 work.NegativeRoleAug 1, 2026
Quarterback Sam Darnold was working with the starting offense during red zone drills; his pass to Cooper Kupp in the end zone was broken up by cornerback Josh Jobe.NegativeRoleAug 1, 2026
Quarterback Sam Darnold worked with the starting offense during an 11-on-11 red zone session late in practice, where his pass to Cooper Kupp in the end zone was broken up by cornerback Josh Jobe.PositiveProjectionJul 31, 2026
Coach Mike Macdonald praised Darnold's decisiveness with the ball, ball security, decision-making, and aggressive play when needed. Macdonald highlighted Darnold's great command and process, noting that he treats every rep—whether in the quarterback room, practice, or games—with the same mental approach and intensity.PositiveRoleJul 31, 2026
Darnold is working with new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury, whom he worked with on the 49ers in 2023. Darnold said the offense is not changing significantly, with only some tweaks, and Fleury wants the offensive line to attack and take control. Darnold expects to figure out the team's identity in camp and going into the season with Fleury.PositiveProjectionJul 31, 2026
In the postseason, Darnold threw five touchdown passes against no interceptions while averaging 7.4 yards per completion and compiling a passer rating of 102.4, doing so despite battling a left oblique injury suffered in practice before the divisional playoff game against the 49ers.NegativeProjectionJul 31, 2026
Darnold threw 14 interceptions last season, third in the NFL behind Geno Smith's 17 and Tua Tagovailoa's 15. His interception rate of 2.9% was 29th in the NFL, almost a point higher than the league average of 2.2%. However, his net yards per attempt of 7.7 — second in the NFL behind only Drake Maye's 7.8 — helped offset much of the damage of interceptions.PositiveProjectionJul 31, 2026
Darnold's 28 victories in the last two seasons are tied with Tom Brady for the most in consecutive seasons in NFL history; he also tied Brady as the only QBs in league history to win 14 games in consecutive seasons. His nine game-winning drives in the fourth quarter or overtime since 2024 are the most in the NFL, while his 21 games with a passer rating of 100 or better the last two years are the second-most.PositiveProjectionJul 29, 2026
Sam Darnold is credited as a key contributor to the Seahawks' Super Bowl-winning approach, described as a 'supposed bust at quarterback' who succeeded through fit, scheme, and buy-in rather than individual star power.PositiveProjectionJul 29, 2026
Sam Darnold, once considered a bust, led the Seahawks to a Super Bowl victory. The Seahawks won with Darnold at quarterback, demonstrating that the team's success came from fit, scheme, and buy-in rather than marquee acquisitions or sizzle.PositiveRoleJul 29, 2026
Darnold worked with Shaheed during the offseason at Saddleback College to develop timing and chemistry, with Shaheed noting that working with his quarterback outside the facility is valuable for building connection; this offseason development suggests Darnold and Shaheed are being positioned as a key quarterback-receiver pairing for 2026.PositiveUsageJul 29, 2026
Sam Darnold, the starting quarterback, scored a TD on the Seahawks' first play during a team red-zone drill on Day 4, throwing a pass to Cooper Kupp. This was part of a bounce-back effort from the offense after the defense dominated on Monday.PositiveProjectionJul 28, 2026
Darnold has silenced critics who doubted his ability to lead a team to a championship. The source notes his detractors were particularly vocal during part of last season, including after a Week 11 loss to the Rams in which he threw four interceptions, but he has ultimately proven capable of winning at the highest level.PositiveProjectionJul 28, 2026
Darnold silenced critics who doubted his ability to lead a team to a championship, winning the Super Bowl in 2025. The source notes his detractors were particularly vocal during the season, including after a Week 11 loss to the Rams in which he threw four interceptions and temporarily gave L.A. control of the NFC West, but he ultimately proved them wrong.NegativeRoleJul 27, 2026
Darnold threw passes during seven-on-seven drills, including the one-handed diving catch by Cooper Kupp and the interception caught by Patrick O'Connell. His performance in early camp drills suggests he is the primary quarterback working with the offense.NegativeDepth ChartJul 26, 2026
Quarterback is among the key returning players from the Super Bowl championship team, lining up on offense in training camp.NegativeRoleJul 26, 2026
Quarterback is among the key returning figures from the Super Bowl champion Seahawks offense.NegativeValueJul 22, 2026
Darnold carries the highest cap hit on the Seahawks roster at $37.9 million in 2026, ahead of defensive lineman Leonard Williams' $29 million cap hit. This reflects Darnold's role as the team's starting quarterback.NegativeValueJul 22, 2026
Sam Darnold has the highest cap hit on the Seahawks roster at $37.9 million in 2026, ahead of defensive lineman Leonard Williams at just over $29 million. Darnold's salary reflects his role as the team's starting quarterback.PositiveProjectionJul 21, 2026
Proved his 2024 Vikings breakout season was not a one-off and demonstrated he can perform under pressure; threw for 346 yards and three TDs in the NFC Championship Game win over the Rams, establishing the Seahawks have a legitimate quarterback capable of winning in high-leverage moments.PositiveProjectionJul 21, 2026
Proved his 2024 Vikings breakout season was not a one-off and demonstrated he can perform under pressure; threw for 346 yards and three TDs in the NFC Championship Game win over the Rams. The source characterizes him as a 'legit QB' capable of leading a Super Bowl contender, though not at Patrick Mahomes' level.NegativeRoleJul 20, 2026
Sam Darnold, a well-known Seahawks player, is expected to receive Hard Knocks coverage, with references likely to his recent wedding.