​The NFC West is home to some of the league’s most competitive quarterbacks, making it one of the most intriguing divisions for signal-caller talent. In 2025, Sam Darnold emerged as a key difference-maker for the Seattle Seahawks, helping them capture the Super Bowl 60 title. As the 2026 NFL season approaches, we’ve ranked the division’s four starting quarterbacks from best to worst, based on current performance, potential, and impact.
At the top is Matthew Stafford. It’s tough to dispute that he’s the premier quarterback in the NFC West right now. Stafford is the reigning MVP Award winner, a testament to his elite play and consistency. While the Rams faced a setback with the Seahawks clinching the division and advancing to the NFC Championship Game, Stafford’s track record and high-level execution make him a formidable asset even as he ages.
The Seahawks made a bold and highly productive move by signing Sam Darnold in free agency last offseason. He answered the call with a performance that delivered a Super Bowl title for Seattle. With a three-year contract in hand, Darnold’s future beyond his current deal will hinge on an extension agreed upon next offseason. His versatility on the field allows him to execute every throw in the offense and adjust to different game plans.
Brock Purdy has progressed from being Mr. Irrelevant in the NFL draft to one of the league’s higher-paid quarterbacks. Despite this rise, the San Francisco 49ers were clearly third-best in the NFC West last season. Purdy’s continued improvement, along with the surrounding roster, will be necessary for San Francisco to contend with the Seahawks and Rams in 2026. The pressure is on Purdy to elevate his play to keep pace with the division’s top signal-callers.
The Arizona Cardinals currently occupy the bottom tier of the division, with the weakest starting quarterback situation among the four teams. Jacoby Brissett and Gardner Minshew serve as short-term solutions as the franchise focuses on rebuilding. With the current quarterback depth, the Cardinals are likely to be selecting a quarterback in the 2027 draft as they chart a path toward stability and long-term success.
This recap reflects the state of the NFC West quarterbacks heading into 2026 and aims to provide a clear sense of how each starter stacks up within the division. For readers seeking more depth, the analysis highlights each quarterback’s latest achievements, contracts, and potential trajectory as the season unfolds. This piece originally appeared on Seahawks Wire with the title Ranking all four quarterbacks in the NFC West from 1 to 4: Where is Sam Darnold? to enhance search visibility.