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Sam Darnold and the Seattle Seahawks enter the 2026 NFL season with renewed optimism as the veteran quarterback continues to rebuild his reputation around the league. While an NFL personnel evaluator praised Darnold’s arm talent and disciplined approach, the assessment also pointed to one area that could elevate his game even further by making better use of his mobility.
Darnold has long possessed the physical tools to succeed at the professional level, including a strong arm capable of attacking every area of the field. Over the past several seasons, however, his growth has been tied less to raw talent and more to improved decision-making and a willingness to operate within the structure of the offense. That maturity has helped him become a more reliable quarterback while limiting the mistakes that affected him earlier in his career.
The evaluator’s comments suggest that Darnold still has another dimension available to his game. Although he is not typically viewed as a running quarterback, he has enough athletic ability to escape pressure, extend plays and pick up valuable yardage when defenses leave open running lanes. Incorporating those opportunities more consistently could force opposing defenses to account for another element of Seattle’s offense.
Modern NFL offenses increasingly reward quarterbacks who can create beyond the original play design. Even modest gains on scrambles can keep drives alive and discourage aggressive pass rushes from collapsing the pocket. Darnold’s mobility gives him the chance to capitalize on those situations without abandoning the disciplined style that has earned praise from evaluators around the league.
NFL Evaluator Explains Key Area Seattle Seahawks’ Sam Darnold Can Improve More
An unnamed evaluator shared his thoughts on how Darnold can improve his game for next season. This is detailed more in an analysis by Jeremy Fowler for ESPN.
“Playing to his strengths while playing disciplined, can beat you with his arm. I think he can use his legs more. He’s mobile.” — NFL personnel evaluator
Seattle’s offensive success will depend on balancing Darnold’s strengths as a passer with opportunities to maximize his athleticism. His ability to recognize when to stay in the pocket and when to take advantage of open space could become an important factor in sustaining drives and generating explosive plays. If he continues making sound decisions while adding another layer to his game, the Seahawks’ offense could become significantly more difficult to defend.
As expectations rise entering the new season, Darnold has an opportunity to continue proving he belongs among the league’s most dependable quarterbacks. Building on his disciplined approach while embracing his mobility may provide the final piece needed to help both the veteran signal caller and the Seahawks reach another level in 2026.
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