The Sam Darnold connection with wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba for the Seattle Seahawks is already one of the best in the NFL. It could be the very best in the league very soon.
That’s what Fansided’s 12th Man Rising’s Aaron Zacharias argued this weekend when he compared the Seahawks duo to the Los Angeles Rams connection between Matthew Stafford and Puka Nacua.
Because of Stafford’s age, Zacharias sees the Seahawks duo as having a longer shelf life. But he also argued Darnold’s chemistry with his top wideout could make them the top duo in the league even before Stafford’s retirement.
“Last season, Smith-Njigba led the league with 1,793 yards, while Darnold was one of just six quarterbacks to surpass 4,000 yards. Not only did the two win the Super Bowl, but Smith-Njigba also won another award: the AP Offensive Player of the Year,” wrote Zacharias.
“Last season, Stafford and Nacua were the most prolific and most dangerous duos, and it should come as a surprise if they are again next season. That said, it shouldn’t be a surprise if Darnold and Smith-Njigba are, either.
“Having seen what we saw from them last season, with another full offseason of work under their belts, and the fact that the Seahawks’ running game might be a work in progress, the Darnold to Smith-Njigba connection could be even more prevalent.”
Could Seahawks Have Top NFL Duo in Sam Darnold, Jaxon Smith-Njigba?
GettyFansided’s 12th Man Rising’s Aaron Zacharias argued Sam Darnold and Jaxon Smith-Njigba could be the top duo in the NFL this upcoming season.
The Rams appear to hold an offensive advantage at WR2 with Davante Adams. Although he’s 33 years old, Adams is still a great pass-catcher. Last season, he led the NFL with 14 receiving touchdowns.
Former Rams Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp is a WR2 with the Seahawks. But statistically, there was a big drop-off between Smith-Njigba and Kupp last season.
Kupp had 593 receiving yards last season versus Smith-Njigba’s league-leading 1,793 yards. Kupp also registered just two touchdowns versus Smith-Njigba’s 10.
But that’s what makes Darnold’s connection with Smith-Njigba all that much more important.
Entering 2026, pundits have labeled Kupp a regression candidate. Second-year receiver Tory Horton could have a bigger impact. So could Rashid Shaheed, who only joined the Seahawks mid-season last year.
Tight end AJ Barner is also a candidate for more targets if he’s fully healthy this fall.
But Smith-Njigba could be even more involved too if Kupp isn’t quite as good. That possibility makes him and Darnold candidates to become the league’s very top duo in 2026.
Expectations for Los Angeles Rams Top Duo
GettyLos Angeles Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Puka Nacua.
The Seahawks and Rams could once again battle for the NFC’s top seed this fall. Maybe the winner of that competition comes down to which team features the better offensive duo.
Stafford’s age hurts Los Angeles’ potential to have a top duo behind 2026. But this fall, the quarterback and Nacua should be elite again.
Last season, Nacua had a league-leading 129 receptions. He also had 1,715 receiving yards and 10 touchdowns. Nacua finished third for the NFL’s Offensive Player of the Year award, which Smith-Njigba won.
Adams could take away opportunities from Nacua again this season, lowering his overall production. Then again, Adams could also raise the quality of opportunities Nacua receives.
The Rams, at least in September, could also feature a better running game.
Darnold-Smith-Njigba will likely be the league’s top duo from a volume standpoint. But it might be tough for them to beat the efficiency from the Stafford-Nacua duo.
Seahawks Duo Pegged to Surpass Rival Stars, Leaving Them ‘In the Dust’