Seattle Seahawks quarterback Sam Darnold earned recognition for his standout performance with the Minnesota Vikings last season, with some considering him a dark horse MVP candidate. However, his latest Madden rating did not reflect this success, as he was assigned a 77 overall (OVR), missing the 80+ rating that many expected based on his recent play.
This rating appears influenced by his earlier career struggles, despite his recent rise as a prominent player. While Darnold’s progress was notable, he remains below the threshold others on the Seahawks roster achieved, underscoring ongoing debates about how Madden evaluates recent player performance.
Eleven Seahawks Reach 80 or Higher in Madden 26 Ratings
The Seattle Seahawks had 11 players rated 80 or above in Madden 26 ahead of the upcoming NFL season, with most of these highly rated players coming from the defense. Devon Witherspoon leads the group at an 88 OVR, tied with running back Kenneth Walker III, who also earned an 88 rating.
Defensive standouts DeMarcus Lawrence and Leonard Williams each received 87 overall. Wide receiver Cooper Kupp and Jaxon Smith-Njigba share an 86 rating, with free safety Julian Love and cornerback Tariq Woolen also rated at 86. Offensive tackle Charles Cross and punter Michael Dickson both have 83 overall, while linebacker Ernest Jones rounds out the list with an 80 rating.
Some players noticeably absent from the 80+ list include Zach Charbonnet, Jarran Reed, Jason Meyers, and Boye Mafe. None of the Seahawks secured ratings of 90 or higher, though these assessments may adjust as the season progresses.
Additional Seahawks Coverage Highlights Player Developments
Recent stories have highlighted various Seahawks personnel topics, including coach Mike Macdonald’s remarks on Charles Cross’s injury and predictions that Sam Darnold could lose his starting quarterback role. A lesser-known Seahawks wide receiver has also caught the attention of coach Witherspoon during training camp, while praise has been given to Jaxon Smith-Njigba by teammates, underscoring his growing influence on the team.
Implications of Madden Ratings on Perceptions and Future Evaluations
The controversy surrounding Sam Darnold’s Madden rating reveals the challenges in balancing sustained career performance with recent breakthroughs when assessing player value in video games. Given that the Seahawks have multiple players rated 80 or higher, this contrast draws attention to Darnold’s standing and prompts speculation about how future updates could shift Madden ratings as the current season unfolds.