Sam Darnold enters the 2026 NFL season as the Seattle Seahawks' starting quarterback on the second year of his three-year, $100.5 million contract, coming off a Super Bowl LX-winning 2025 campaign in which he posted 4,048 passing yards and 25 touchdowns on 67.7% completion across 17 games. The offense retains top wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba while facing changes including the departure of running back Kenneth Walker and a new offensive coordinator from the Shanahan coaching tree. An early hip injury sustained in Week 1 against the Patriots has already created short-term uncertainty around his availability and passing volume. Historical efficiency on deep throws and overall accuracy support sustained scoring chances, though elevated turnovers from the prior year and schedule factors could influence total touchdown output in the 17-game regular season.