The NFL Says Sam Darnold Is a Borderline Star, And the 12s Are Ready For What's Next

Alright, 12s, get ready, because we've got some massive news dropping for the upcoming 2026 season! The chatter around the league is all about quarterback tiers, and you know we're always glued to any info on our guys in green and blue. And guess what? Our very own Sam Darnold just landed squarely in the "Borderline Stars" tier, a clear signal that the NFL is finally starting to recognize the serious talent we've got under center. This isn't just hype, folks, it's a statement from the league ahead of a season we're all counting down the days for!

Where Our Guy Stands

So, what does it mean to be a "Borderline Star"? According to the latest breakdown, these are the quarterbacks considered the "silver standard" of the league. They're the next-best batch, hungry to ascend even higher, and crucially, each of them has already led their team on a playoff run. They're capable of doing it again with the right support around them. That's our guy, Sam Darnold, in that group! Look at his numbers from last season: a solid 67.7% completion rate, a staggering 4,048 passing yards, 25 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. His 8.49 yards per attempt really shows how he can push the ball downfield. This is the kind of production that keeps us fired up, and it's awesome to see him get that recognition. We've got a quarterback who's shown he can pe

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rform at a high level and has the potential to lead us deep into the postseason!

The League's Top Talent is STACKED

Now, to really understand what it means for Darnold to be in Tier 2, you have to look at who's above him in the "Transcendent Talents" tier. We're talking about the faces of the modern NFL, guys like Matthew Stafford, fresh off an MVP 2025 season, or Patrick Mahomes, a three-time Super Bowl champion who's basically already a legend. You've got Josh Allen, the 2024 league MVP and the all-time leader in touchdown runs by a quarterback, and Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP who ties for the best career passer rating in league history. Even Joe Burrow, who's been battling injuries, is right up there. The league is absolutely loaded with talent at quarterback right now, which makes Darnold's placement even more impressive. To be considered in the next breath after these future Hall of Famers? That's a huge deal for us. As we look ahead to the 2026 season, the Emerald City has every reason to be buzzing. With Sam Darnold cementing his status as a "Borderline Star," the stage is set for an incredible year. We've got Mike Macdonald leading the charge and a receiving corps featuring Jaxon Smith-Njigba, Rashid Shaheed, and Cooper Kupp ready to make big plays. What's next? More proof that Darnold is not just a borderline star, but an undeniable force. The 12s are ready to watch him take us all the way. Let's go Hawks!

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