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NFL.com News fantasy football takes on Sam Darnold
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from NFL.com News about Sam Darnold.
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Insights
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Positive
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Insight ledger
All NFL.com News insights about Sam Darnold
NegativeProjectionAug 1, 2026
Darnold's 2024 season ended poorly with two disastrous games for Minnesota, including a playoff loss to the Rams where he was sacked nine times and generated his lowest EPA of the year (-27.4). For Darnold to succeed with Seattle, he needs strong pass protection; his 2024 tendency to hold the ball (3.08 seconds average, third-longest in NFL) and take deep shots (73.2% of passes after 2.5 seconds, highest rate in league) makes him vulnerable to pressure.PositiveProjectionAug 1, 2026
Darnold signed a three-year, $100.5 million deal with Seattle after an excellent 2024 with Minnesota, throwing for career highs of 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns while averaging 3.08 seconds to throw (third-longest in NFL) and attempting 73.2% of passes after 2.5 seconds (highest rate in league). However, he has no guaranteed salary after 2025 and the team can save $27.5 million with a post-June 1, 2026 cut, meaning his performance will be heavily scrutinized in training camp and every snap matters.PositiveProjectionAug 1, 2026
Darnold rejuvenated his career last season in the Vikings offense, which is described as a 'Porsche of offenses' that has made almost every driver look good. The offense features Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, T.J. Hockenson, and a remade offensive line, demonstrating the quality of weapons and system that elevated Darnold's performance.PositiveProjectionAug 1, 2026
Darnold authored a storybook tale last season, quarterbacking the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title after being viewed as a mega bust; he's back with the pressure of defending a championship and must learn new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's system, which is similar to the departed Klint Kubiak's but still represents change.PositiveProjectionNo date
Darnold's bounce-back 2024 season provided validation of O'Connell's offensive system; the Vikings won 14 regular-season games with Darnold at quarterback, and O'Connell was named NFL Coach of the Year, establishing the foundation for the 2025 season.NegativeInjuryNo date
Darnold suffered a 'very unique soft-tissue injury' to his glute with his hip joint unaffected; the injury is not considered long-term but has no firm timeline for return. He exited Wednesday's Kickoff Game win over the Patriots and was not seen on the field during Monday's practice media availability. NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday that Darnold avoided a major injury and could miss a few weeks; Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said the team received 'really, really good news' on Darnold.NegativeInjuryNo date
Seahawks QB Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury during Wednesday's 13-10 win against New England and exited after just five plays, giving way to backup Drew Lock. Coach Mike Macdonald said the team received 'positive news' about the injury and is working through the extent of the damage. With 10 days until the next game against Arizona on Sept. 20, Darnold will have extended time to recover, though his availability remains uncertain.NegativeInjuryNo date
Sam Darnold (hip) is expected to miss Seattle's Week 2 game against Arizona. Coach Mike Macdonald characterized the injury as more of a 'muscle' thing rather than structural, suggesting potential for faster recovery than a more serious hip injury.NegativeInjuryNo date
Darnold exited Wednesday's Week 1 win over New England after five plays due to a hip injury sustained on a sack; he limped to the locker room in obvious discomfort. He is expected to miss Week 2 against Arizona. Coach Mike Macdonald reported the hip is intact and it's a muscle issue rather than structural damage; Darnold could miss just a few weeks and has avoided a lengthy absence. With 18 days between Week 1 and Week 3 (vs. Washington), a one- or two-week absence is possible.NegativeInjuryNo date
Darnold, the Patriots' starting QB, was lost five plays into the season-opening game against Seattle, forcing Maye into action. The source does not specify the nature or severity of the injury.NegativeInjuryNo date
Sam Darnold's first game as a Super Bowl champion ended after just five plays when he was sacked on third down and suffered a hip injury that knocked him out of the game, dampening Seattle's offensive momentum for more than two quarters.NegativeInjuryNo date
Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury during Seattle's first drive of the season opener against the Patriots when sacked by Dre'Mont Jones on third down; he was attended to by trainers in the blue tent and limped to the locker room, rendering him questionable to return.NegativeRoleNo date
Sam Darnold will rely on the Seahawks' running back trio of Jadarian Price, George Holani, and Emanuel Wilson to put him in manageable situations where he can thrive, following the departure of Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III.NegativeProjectionNo date
Sam Darnold is one of just three Seattle Seahawks representatives in the Top 100 Players ranking, despite the team winning the Super Bowl. The source argues the Seahawks were underrepresented relative to their championship status.PositiveProjectionNo date
Darnold produced a career-best year for the Vikings in 2025 after J.J. McCarthy underwent season-ending knee surgery as a rookie, opening the starting opportunity for Darnold to establish himself as a reliable option at the position.