Former NFL cornerback Aqib Talib has rejected the idea that Sam Darnold belongs among the league’s top 10 quarterbacks, despite reaching the Super Bowl.
Aqib Talib addressed Sam Darnold’s standing among NFL quarterbacks while debating whether a Super Bowl appearance should significantly alter perceptions of his career.
Talib argued that Darnold’s postseason run does not place him above several established veterans or younger quarterbacks across the league.
Aqib Talib challenges Sam Darnold top ten claims
Aqib Talib questioned how Sam Darnold could be ranked ahead of quarterbacks who have consistently performed at a higher level.
He said the comparison does not hold up when measured against elite players across the NFL.
“Oh s—. I don’t see how. So he’s better than Mahomes? Allen? Burrow? Lamar? Stafford? Dak? Jalen Hurts?”
Talib then pointed to another group of quarterbacks he also believes rank ahead of Darnold. He argued that even outside the league’s top tier, Darnold still falls short.
“Second wave of guys. Is he better than Jordan Love? Is he better than Jared Goff? Is he better than Purdy? Is he better than Baker Mayfield?”
”That’s 10 vets who I just named. We can argue about eight or nine. I didn’t even name the young bulls. Maye. Bo. Caleb. He’s better than them?”
Super Bowl run fails to settle debate
The discussion highlighted how Sam Darnold’s Super Bowl appearance has not erased skepticism about his long-term standing among NFL quarterbacks.
Some panelists framed the run as a positive development without redefining his overall status.
Skip Bayless, who was also part of the panel discussion, acknowledged Darnold’s improvement but declined to describe him as a great quarterback.
Talib’s comments reflected a broader reluctance to elevate Darnold above quarterbacks with longer records of sustained success.
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