Seattle Seahawks star Sam Darnold’s rank among the best quarterbacks in the NFL this year is the subject of much debate.
Darnold led the Seahawks to a victory in the Super Bowl last season. Winning is an advantage for the defending champion quarterback when compared to his peers in the league. Having thrown for over 4,000 yards in 2025 as an efficient gunslinger gives him the individual success to complement that which the team enjoyed.
Sports Illustrated ranked Darnold No. 17 overall in their NFL preseason QB rankings this year, which is strikingly low given all that he put forth last season.
“After throwing for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns in Minnesota, Darnold signed with Seattle in free agency, threw for 4,048 yards and 25 touchdowns, and helped the Seahawks win their second Super Bowl,” Sports Illustrated’s Matt Verderame said. “His finest moment came in the NFC title game, when Darnold passed for 346 yards and three touchdowns in a 31–27 triumph.“
Darnold had a season to remember in 2025 and with his powerful arm, accurate throwing and ability to find his teammates all throughout the field, may be more than a bottom-half quarterback in the league.
This article originally appeared on Seahawks Wire: Where does Seahawks QB Sam Darnold land on SI’s rankings for 2026?
