The Seattle Seahawks enter this season as the defending Super Bowl champs. During their run, they have a fierce defense led by a sound ground attack. That made things easier for quarterback Sam Darnold, but he was still one of the most effective signal callers in the NFL.
Despite being one of the better quarterbacks in the league, Darnold wasn't ranked in the top 10 by league executives, coaches, and scouts. In an article by ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, Darnold wasn't listed as a top-10 quarterback; instead, he was an honorable mention.
And even though he wasn't in the top 10, he still got some praise from multiple people around the league.
Seattle Seahawks fans won't love where Sam Darnold ranks after Super Bowl run
"Playing to his strengths while playing disciplined, can beat you with his arm. I think he can use his legs more. He's mobile." an NFL personnel evaluator said.
Another high-ranking AFC official said, "He's been lights-out for two years. Deserves to be in the top 10."
Darnold put up top-notch numbers for the Seahawks last season, but it still wasn't enough to get the respect he deserves.
Darnold started in all 17 games for Seattle, where he completed a career-high 67.7 percent of his throws. He also ranked fifth in passing yards (4,048) and tied for ninth in passing touchdowns (25). Darnold has eight games with double-digit passing touchdowns during the regular season.
Then, during the postseason, the USC product completed 61 percent of his passes for 672 passing yards, five passing touchdowns, and zero interceptions. In the biggest moments, Darnold wasn't a liability, as that narrative continues to follow him.
For the second straight season, Darnold posted 4,000-plus passing yards and 25-plus passing touchdowns. He has become more than reliable as the signal-caller and has been someone whom the Seahawks can lean on.
Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears came in at No. 10 on the list, but based on the stats, Darnold had a better year. Williams completed 57 percent of passes for 3,942 passing yards, 27 passing touchdowns, and seven interceptions.
While he had two more passing touchdowns and seven fewer interceptions, Williams struggled at times with consistency. That's why his completion percentage is so low. He may have had more "wow" moments, including seven fourth-quarter comebacks.
That could have played a role when quarterbacks were ranked, but when you take a step back to look at the totality, you could make a case that Darnold was better.
Even though Darnold was the quarterback of the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks team, he wasn't named a top 10 quarterback, and that should give him more motivation going into 2026.
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