Radio host and analyst Colin Cowherd declared Sam Darnold superior to other NFC quarterbacks, including Jalen Hurts and Brock Purdy, following Darnold’s pivotal role in Seattle’s recent Super Bowl victory. During the Monday episode of his show, Cowherd analyzed how Darnold’s performance places him ahead of his NFC rivals amid ongoing debates over the best quarterbacks in the conference, emphasizing the ongoing Jalen Hurts quarterback debate.
The Seahawks acquired Darnold last March through a three-year contract worth $100.5 million. In his first season with Seattle, Darnold led them to their second Super Bowl championship, a feat that, according to Cowherd, elevates his standing above many NFC quarterbacks who had previously outranked him. Cowherd stated,
“You guys have all, for the last couple of years, been trying to tell me Brock Purdy and Jalen Hurts are top 10 quarterbacks. So, is Sam Darnold now a top 10 quarterback? He’s bigger than both. He’s got a bigger arm than both. I would say he’s as athletic as Jalen Hurts, much better in the pocket. … CJ Stroud is regressed. I mean, I love Justin Herbert. He’d never had a playoff run like this. So what do you do with Darnold?” – Colin Cowherd, Radio Host
Cowherd: Why Sam Darnold Should Be the Top Franchise Quarterback Choice in the NFC
Cowherd argued that among NFC quarterbacks, Darnold is the best option to build a franchise around, outclassing both Hurts and Purdy. He highlighted Darnold’s youth at 28 and his durability compared to his competitors. Cowherd remarked,
“What quarterback in the NFC tomorrow, if you’re building a franchise, Darnold is only 28; tomorrow in the NFC, what quarterback do you take over Sam Darnold? Nobody’s taking Brock Purdy. Injuries. Smaller. Not a GM in the league is taking Brock Purdy, not a single GM. Nobody’s taking Jalen Hurts over Sam Darnold.” – Colin Cowherd, Radio Host
Sam Darnold’s Journey from Struggles to Super Bowl Success
Selected third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft, Sam Darnold’s early career was marked by challenges and underperformance. He spent his initial five seasons with the Jets and the Carolina Panthers, during which he recorded just 21 wins and ranked low in key statistical categories such as passer rating and completion percentage, earning the label of a draft bust.
Since departing Carolina, however, Darnold’s performance has surged, proving that his earlier struggles were more a result of unsuitable systems than his talent. Following the Super Bowl triumph with Seattle, Darnold’s wins have increased significantly. He has notched 39 victories post-Jets, surpassing the Jets’ 26 wins during the same time frame. Similarly, his 31 wins since leaving Carolina outpace the Panthers’ 15 wins over that period.
The Broader Impact on NFC Quarterback Rankings
Cowherd’s evaluation challenges existing perceptions about NFC quarterbacks, especially in the heated discussions surrounding Jalen Hurts. Darnold’s combination of physical attributes, playoff success, and age position him as a more viable long-term leader in the NFC than some previously favored players.
This analysis may influence how teams and fans view quarterback potential and franchise-building strategies across the NFC heading into the 2024 NFL season.
"If you're building a franchise… in the NFC what quarterback do you take over Sam Darnold? Nobody's taking Brock Purdy… Nobody's taking Jalen Hurts over Sam Darnold."
Where does Darnold rank after the Super Bowl win? @colincowherd weighs in pic.twitter.com/lKAVOplAeS
— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) February 9, 2026
