Seahawks predicted to draft 40-TD future Sam Darnold replacement in 2026 NFL Draft

The Seattle Seahawks largely exceeded expectations in 2024 under first-year head coach Mike Macdonald, but the team decided to make bold changes this offseason anyway. 

Veteran quarterback Geno Smith was shipped to the Las Vegas Raiders, and the team signed quarterback Sam Darnold in free agency. Darnold had a career year in 2024, throwing for over 4,000 yards and leading the Minnesota Vikings to the playoffs. 

Darnold's big season led the Seahawks to give the passer a three-year, 100.5 million deal, and the team is surely hoping the veteran can replicate that success. However, Darnold has been wildly inconsistent in his career, and it may not be wise to fully rely on the passer going forward. 

As a result, Mark Stolte of Pro Football Network has the Seahawks taking LSU quarterback Garrett Nussmeier with the No. 10 pick of the 2026 NFL Draft. 

Naturally, if the Seahawks have a top-10 pick, it can be assumed that Darnold does not have a fantastic season. Therefore, the team may feel the need to take a swing on a young passer in a class that is expected to be loaded with talent. 

Regarding Nussmeier in Seattle, Stolte offered the following:

Garrett Nussmeier’s top trait is sack avoidance — something the Seattle Seahawks will value after a rough year with Sam Darnold behind a bad line. Unlike his time in Minnesota, Darnold didn’t have elite receivers, protection, or play-calling to help him out. That’s why grabbing Nussmeier on a rookie deal matters.

Aside from avoiding sacks, the Nuss Buss has great anticipation on throws. He can put zip on it and isn’t afraid to squeeze it into tight windows. Nussmeier ranked 11th in EPA last year on throws targeting the slot — great news for a team that has both Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba.

Nussmeier is expected to be one of the top passers in the 2026 draft. In 2024, Nussmeier threw for 4,052 yards with 29 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. 

As Stolte mentioned, Nussmeier is elite at avoiding sacks and has a strong arm with solid anticipation. The Seahawks have solid route-runners Jaxon Smith-Njigba and Cooper Kupp on the roster, so an accurate quarterback like Nussmeier could be a good fit. 

If Darnold indeed struggles in 2025, the Seahawks could select Nussmeier and have him sit behind the veteran for one season. There is a potential out in Darnold's deal after the 2026 season, when Nussmeier could then take over.