Fresh off a Super Bowl title, the former "bust" is defying critics with elite production. Now, Seattle’s signal-caller aims to crack the top ten by weaponizing his mobility.
In 2024 — his first year as a starter in three seasons — Sam Darnold led the Minnesota Vikings to a 14-3 record before falling to the Los Angeles Rams in the Wildcard round.
The ensuing offseason saw Darnold land a three-year, $100.5 million deal from the Seattle Seahawks, whom the former No. 2 overall pick promptly led to the franchise's second Super Bowl title by defeating the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LX.
That's quite the turnaround for the man many labeled a bust after he fizzled out with the Carolina Panthers, and while Darnold may not yet be receiving all the praise he deserves, there has been an uptick in recognition.
In ESPN's Jeremy Fowler's top 10 quarterback rankings based on the opinions of league executives, coaches and scouts ... Darnold was listed as an honorable mention.
Fowler included two direct quotes praising Darnold — one of which turned into a possible suggestion for rookie offensive coordinator Brian Fleury.
"What a career bounce-back. He's been lights-out for two years. Deserves to be in the top 10," an anonymous "High-ranking AFC team official" told Fowler.
Across regular seasons in 2024 and 2025, Darnold has accumulated 8,367 passing yards and 60 touchdowns across 34 starts — production that rivals nearly every quarterback in football.
But as Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald has explained, Seattle won't get back to the Super Bowl by repeating the same formula that worked last year. The group must adapt and evolve ... on both sides of the ball.
Perhaps Fleury's form of innovation could come by using Darnold more in the rushing attack following the departure of Super Bowl LX MVP Kenneth Walker III.
"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 anonymous "NFL personnel evaluator" said to Fowler.
... the suggestion isn't as far-fetched as it may initially sound.
Darnold rushed for 212 yards and five touchdowns during his breakout season in Minnesota before adding another 95 yards and a score during Seattle's championship campaign.
While he'll never be confused with Lamar Jackson or Josh Allen, the former USC star possesses enough athleticism to stress defenses when plays break down or when designed runs are incorporated into the game plan.
Look to his 2021 season in Carolina, where Darnold notched five rushing scores, as an example.
The Seahawks no longer have Walker to lean on in short-yardage situations, and adding another dimension to Darnold's game could help offset some of that loss.
Though, it's not necessary for Darnold to add that aspect to his repertoire for him to be considered among the league's elite signal callers.
Darnold may not be a consensus top-10 guy in present, but another deep postseason run with Seattle could solidify his status as as a player whose resurgence can no longer be dismissed as a two-year anomaly.
