Sam Darnold’s difficult start to the 2026 NFL season has raised questions about the Seattle Seahawks’ offense just months after the quarterback helped deliver a Super Bowl championship. Consecutive losses and mounting turnovers have made his performances a growing concern.
Seattle entered the season hoping to build on its championship success, but Darnold has struggled to maintain his previous efficiency. Through 6 games, the Seahawks are 3-3, while their starting quarterback has thrown 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions.
The situation has sparked discussion about Darnold’s long-term future, although coach Mike Macdonald has publicly backed him. With Seattle attempting to remain competitive in the NFC West, the quarterback’s response to this early adversity could shape the team’s direction.
Darnold’s early numbers reveal a troubling decline
Darnold has completed 60.4% of his passes for 1,033 yards, 7 touchdowns and 7 interceptions across 5 appearances. His 77.4 passer rating represents a substantial decline from the production that helped Seattle win the championship.
The difference becomes clearer when compared with his 2025 performance. Darnold completed 67.7% of his passes for 4,048 yards, 25 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, finishing that season with a 99.1 passer rating.
His struggles have become particularly noticeable during Seattle’s recent defeats. Darnold threw 2 interceptions against San Francisco before committing another 2 against Denver, extending a stretch of costly mistakes that has disrupted the Seahawks’ offensive rhythm.
Denver loss increases pressure on Seattle’s offense
Seattle’s 17-14 overtime defeat against the Denver Broncos on Oct. 15 highlighted the problems surrounding Darnold. He completed 27 of 51 passes for 278 yards, failed to throw a touchdown, and finished with 2 interceptions.
The Broncos also sacked Darnold 5 times, limiting his ability to establish a consistent passing attack. His 52.6 passer rating reflected an evening when Seattle struggled to convert opportunities into points despite moving the football.
The defeat followed a 32-29 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, extending the losing streak to 2 games. For a team defending its Super Bowl title, those results have increased the importance of correcting offensive mistakes before the season progresses.
Macdonald continues supporting his starting quarterback
Despite growing criticism, Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald has made his position clear. Following the Denver defeat, he ruled out changing quarterbacks and expressed confidence in Darnold’s ability to help Seattle recover.
Macdonald acknowledged that turnovers had become a problem but emphasized that the coaching staff also needed to improve the circumstances surrounding its quarterback. His comments suggested Seattle views the struggles as a broader offensive issue.
That support provides Darnold with an opportunity to respond without immediately worrying about losing his starting position. However, continued mistakes could eventually force the organization to examine whether its current offensive approach remains effective.
Darnold’s contract creates an important decision
Seattle signed Darnold to a 3-year, $100.5 million contract in March 2025, including $55 million in guarantees. The agreement rewarded his successful season with Minnesota while providing the Seahawks with a potential long-term answer at quarterback.
However, the contract also gives Seattle flexibility as it enters 2027. Darnold is scheduled to earn $35.5 million next season, with that compensation currently nonguaranteed. A $10 million roster bonus becomes payable if he remains on the roster at the relevant deadline.
ESPN’s Dan Graziano has raised the possibility that Seattle could move on from Darnold if his struggles continue. That scenario remains speculative, but the contract structure gives the Seahawks a practical opportunity to reassess their investment in their quarterback.
Injuries and protection problems complicate evaluation
Darnold’s season began with an injury against the New England Patriots. He suffered a glute tendon injury during Seattle’s opener, interrupting his early momentum and forcing the Seahawks to manage an unexpected quarterback situation.
Although Darnold returned ahead of schedule, his performances have been inconsistent. The injury does not fully explain his decision-making problems, but it adds context when comparing his current production with last season’s stronger numbers.
Pass protection has also contributed to the difficulties. San Francisco and Denver combined for 10 sacks against Darnold, repeatedly disrupting his timing. Seattle must improve its blocking while expecting its quarterback to make better decisions under pressure.
Seattle’s championship expectations leave little room for mistakes
The Seahawks entered 2026 as defending Super Bowl champions after defeating the Patriots 29-13 in Super Bowl LX. Darnold completed 19 of 38 passes for 202 yards and 1 touchdown without throwing an interception.
That championship followed an impressive regular season in which Seattle won 14 games. Darnold demonstrated that he could operate effectively within a balanced offense supported by strong defense and disciplined execution.
However, defending a championship brings different expectations. Seattle cannot rely entirely on its previous success, particularly in a competitive NFC West. Maintaining consistency at quarterback will be essential if the Seahawks hope to challenge for another postseason run.
Darnold’s career history offers reasons for patience
Darnold’s NFL journey has included several difficult transitions. Selected third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, he later played for Carolina and San Francisco before rebuilding his reputation with Minnesota.
His 2024 season with the Vikings marked a significant turning point. Darnold threw for 4,319 yards and 35 touchdowns while leading Minnesota to a 14-3 record, earning Pro Bowl recognition.
He followed that performance with another 14-win regular season in Seattle, demonstrating sustained success across different offensive systems. Those accomplishments provide a strong argument against making a major decision about a quarterback based on a difficult opening stretch.
Seattle’s next steps could determine Darnold’s future
For now, Seattle’s immediate priority is improving offensive execution rather than replacing its starting quarterback. Macdonald’s public support suggests Darnold will continue receiving opportunities to correct his mistakes and regain consistency.
Reducing interceptions will be particularly important. Darnold has already thrown half as many interceptions as he recorded throughout the previous regular season, despite making considerably fewer appearances. Better ball security could help Seattle reverse its recent results.
The larger decision may come after the season. If Darnold returns to his previous form, Seattle will have reason to maintain continuity. If his struggles continue, the Seahawks could examine their options before committing additional money to his contract.
Fun fact: Darnold became the first quarterback in NFL history to record consecutive 14-win regular seasons with different teams, accomplishing the feat with Minnesota and Seattle.
TL;DR
- Sam Darnold has thrown for 1,033 yards, 7 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions through 5 appearances in the 2026 season.
- Seattle has fallen to 3-3 following consecutive losses against San Francisco and Denver.
- Seahawks coach Mike Macdonald has publicly supported Darnold and dismissed the idea of an immediate quarterback change.
- Darnold’s contract provides Seattle with financial flexibility entering the 2027 season.
- His previous success and Super Bowl championship support patience, but continued struggles could influence the team’s long-term plans.
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
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