Rick Mirer

Sam Darnold, now holding down the Seahawks starter gig, has already eclipsed Mirer's entire career arc—11,969 yards and 50 TDs over eight teams—with more arm zip and fewer boneheaded picks in a pass-happy era. Mirer was the '93 rookie darling with franchise records for attempts and completions as a newbie, but his 24-44 mark and 76 INTs scream boom-bust bust, while Darnold's got that survivor edge.

Rick Mirer ain't in Canton, and never will be—no bust awaits the guy who went from No. 2 overall hype to journeyman in Chicago, Jets, Niners, and Raiders. Those 11,969 yards and 50 TDs look pedestrian next to the gold-jacket crew; his Seahawks rookie splash faded fast into 76 picks and a 24-44 record that screams "what if."

In 2026, Rick Mirer's out of the spotlight, likely chilling in business ventures or coaching trees—think quiet Notre Dame ties or family life after his gridiron wanderings. No big broadcasting gigs or charity headlines popping; the ex-Seahawks captain who set rookie passing records now savors irrelevance like a smart vet who cashed the checks.

Mirer's cannon arm and mobility—1,130 rushing yards—would feast under today's no-roughing rules and quick releases, maybe posting 4,000-yard seasons like his '93 rookie pop. But those 76 picks? Modern defenses would feast on his happy feet and decisions; he'd be a bridge guy, not a franchise savior, in this RPO jungle.

Matt Hasselbeck lapped Rick Mirer as Seahawks QB royalty—38.7% win rate to Mirer's limp 14.9% over four starter years in Seattle. Mirer owned rookie records for passes thrown, but Hasselbeck delivered playoffs and that NFC title magic; one's a trivia answer, the other's a Holmgren hero with real scar tissue.