Sam Darnold enters the 2026 season as the Seahawks' established starter following their 2025 Super Bowl title, with 25 passing touchdowns in that campaign and 35 the prior year in Minnesota. Through four games in 2026 he has thrown seven touchdowns against five interceptions, including a four-touchdown outing at Washington, though efficiency has dipped with a 64.3% completion rate, elevated sack rate, and three straight games with at least one pick after returning from a Week 1 glute injury. Seattle's ground game has struggled amid running back injuries, increasing passing volume, but the offense has yet to fully sync under a new play caller. Key variables ahead include Jaxon Smith-Njigba's continued production, the health of the backfield, and a schedule featuring divisional rivals and primetime matchups.