Sam LaPorta Labeled a 2026 Fantasy Bust Already, and the Emerald City Needs to Talk About It

Alright 12s, did you see what hit the wires? Sports Illustrated just dropped a bombshell, and it's got every fantasy football player in the country raising an eyebrow. They're already talking about Sam LaPorta, putting his name right there "Among Potential 2026 Fantasy Football Tight End Busts." Seriously, 2026! We're barely into April here! It's wild how fast the narrative can shift, or even *start* this early, for high-profile players. This kind of chatter, even if it's way out in front, sets a tone and for us here in the Emerald City, it makes you think about how we evaluate our own guys, right?

Early Buzz and Our Seahawks' Form

Now, LaPorta isn't rocking green and blue, but that kind of early chatter, even if it's just for fantasy, hits different when you're thinking about our own guys. We're in early April, the NFL buzz is all about player form, and you gotta wonder how much of that national spotlight messes with guys. You look at our Seahawks, with Mike Macdonald steering the ship and Brian Fleury calling plays, and you can't help but feel the anticipation. We're looking at Sam Darnold under center, feeding Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed, and Cooper Kupp. These guys are out there putting in the work, building chemistry, getting ready for the grind of the regular season. Are they playing lights out? Are they healthy, ready to dominate? That's what we're watching. Every snap, every route, every practice report is gold right now. We need these guys to be firing on all cylinders from day one, not battling early doubts or getting caught up in any 'bust' talk, real or imagined. The early returns on their cohesion and individual performance are absolutely critical.

Beyond the Gridiron: Mariners and Kraken Early Trends

And it's not just football where these early season vibes hit. Out at T-Mobile Park, our Mariners are getting into their rhythm, grinding through the early part of the MLB schedule. How's Cal Raleigh doing behind the plate, leading the pitching staff and making an impact with his bat? Is Julio Rodriguez finding his swing early, consistently getting on base and making highlight reel plays in center field? What trends are emerging for them in terms of hitting, pitching, and overall team form? For the Kraken, it's the same energy on the ice. We've got Matty Beniers, Jordan Eberle as captain, Jared McCann, Chandler Stephenson, Berkly Catton, Kaapo Kakko, and Tye Kartye up front, driving the offense. Then there's the defensive wall of Adam Larsson, Vince Dunn, and Brandon Montour with Joey Daccord in net. We're glued to their player performance, their chemistry, and the team's early trends. Are they clicking, staying healthy, and building momentum for the long haul? So while the national media might be throwing out 'bust' labels for players like LaPorta for next year's fantasy drafts, here in the Emerald City, our focus is squarely on the *now*. We're talking about *our* teams, *our* players, and the massive expectations that come with bleeding green and blue. Next up, the Mariners are back at T-Mobile Park, and we need to see that consistent play from Julio and Raleigh, leading from the front. For the Seahawks, every day in this early season is about building that foundation for what's to come, keeping Darnold, JSN, Shaheed, and Kupp healthy and sharp. Let's keep our eyes on the prize and support our green and blue with everything we've got. The early season is crucial, and every bit of momentum matters. Go Hawks, Go M's, Go Kraken, Go Sounders!

This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.