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The Seattle Times Seahawks fantasy football takes on Drew Lock
Every source-backed article insight STACKED has extracted from The Seattle Times Seahawks about Drew Lock.
63
Insights
38
Positive
3
Negative
Insight ledger
All The Seattle Times Seahawks insights about Drew Lock
NegativeProjectionOct 16, 2026
Drew Lock filled in for Darnold in two games (Week 1 win over New England and Week 2 win at Arizona) and did not throw an interception while tossing four touchdowns and completing 72.9% of his passes. However, Macdonald cautioned against making a direct one-for-one comparison between Lock and Darnold, noting that the game-calling, play-calling approach, and catering to Lock's skill set were different factors that contributed to Lock's performance and should not be isolated as evidence of superiority.NegativeProjectionOct 14, 2026
Lock went 8-13 in 21 starts with the Broncos including 4-9 in 2020 in his one full season as the starter when he threw an NFL-high 15 interceptions; he acknowledged the 2020 season was especially challenging due to COVID disruptions and truncated offseason programs.NegativeRoleOct 14, 2026
Lock was one of three veteran players the Seahawks received in the Russell Wilson trade; he lost a battle for the starting QB job to Geno Smith in 2022 and spent two seasons as Smith's backup before signing with the Giants in 2024; after New York went 3-14, Lock signed a two-year deal to return to Seattle in 2025 to back up Sam Darnold.PositiveRoleOct 13, 2026
Drew Lock has impressed during his time with the Seahawks, creating a potential backup threat to Sam Darnold; the source mentions Lock's strong performance as context for Darnold needing to improve quickly.NegativeInjuryOct 12, 2026
Seahawks backup QB Drew Lock is dealing with a forearm injury; in a practice estimation (the team did not practice), Lock was listed as limited.PositiveProjectionOct 6, 2026
Drew Lock has the best season grade for any QB in the league by Pro Football Focus through his two games, indicating elite early-season performance.PositiveRoleOct 6, 2026
The backup quarterback delivered a stellar fill-in performance during the first month of the season, providing a bright spot during the Seahawks' turbulent start.PositiveRoleSep 26, 2026
Drew Lock played well enough in Darnold's absence that some wondered if the Seahawks might give Darnold more time to return, but Darnold was able to fully practice Thursday and Friday and expressed his desire to play, so Lock will return to backup duties.PositiveUsageSep 25, 2026
Drew Lock threw three touchdown passes in last Sunday's 31-7 win at Arizona while starting in place of injured Sam Darnold. Lock's performance helped the Seahawks improve to 2-0 to start the season.PositiveRoleSep 24, 2026
Drew Lock started in place of Darnold last week against Arizona and led the Seahawks to a 31-7 win. He completed 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and three touchdowns, all to Jaxon Smith-Njigba. If Darnold cannot play Sunday against Washington, the Seahawks will again go with Lock.NegativeRoleSep 23, 2026
Lock has served as the Seahawks' reliable backup quarterback, playing the remainder of the season opener against New England after Darnold's injury and starting the following week in a 31-7 victory at Arizona. Coach Mike Macdonald indicated that if Darnold shows he's able to play, Darnold will be the starter at Washington, suggesting Lock's role will revert to backup once Darnold is cleared.PositiveProjectionSep 22, 2026
Lock completed 73% of his passes with four touchdowns, zero turnovers, and only two sacks in his first start replacing Sam Darnold; his Total QBR of 86.4 ranks fourth in the NFL. The source notes he has played like a starter and is one of the NFL's best backup quarterbacks, a marked improvement from his Denver tenure when he turned the ball over 25 times in 24 games.PositiveRoleSep 21, 2026
Drew Lock has impressed in relief and as starter through two games, completing 72.9% of his passes with four touchdowns (all to Jaxon Smith-Njigba) and zero turnovers. Lock was 19 for 26 for 235 yards and three touchdowns against Arizona. Coach Macdonald expressed confidence in Lock's play and personality, saying 'the players saw the best version of him out on the field.' The coaching staff is unsure how to disperse first-team snaps between Lock and Darnold this week.PositiveProjectionSep 21, 2026
John Breech praised Drew Lock's performance in his first NFL start since 2024, noting that Lock 'clearly understood the assignment' by going to Jaxon Smith-Njigba early and often. Breech highlighted that beating a division rival by 24 points with a backup QB under center ranks near the top of impressive regular-season wins.PositiveProjectionSep 21, 2026
Lock was outstanding starting in place of Sam Darnold in the Seahawks' 31-7 victory over Arizona, leading an offense that worked in concert with a dominant defense that allowed the Cardinals only 151 yards of offense.PositiveProjectionSep 21, 2026
Lock completed 19 of 26 passes (73.1%) for 235 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover in his first start in nearly two years, leading the Seahawks to a convincing 31-7 win over Arizona. The source notes his performance was 'even better than the statistics make it seem,' highlighting his ability to escape pressure, absorb blitzes, and thread tight passes between defenders. Coach Mike Macdonald said 'He just did a great job,' and the source characterizes Lock as 'a lot of things — ballplayer, playmaker, gunslinger, etc. — but a liability isn't one of them.' The Seahawks surrendered only a single sack and committed just three penalties with Lock under center.PositiveProjectionSep 21, 2026
Lock was everything the Seahawks hoped he'd be stepping in for injured Sam Darnold, completing 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards (two dropped, one could have been credited) for three touchdowns and no interceptions; also managed a cleaner offensive operation with only one presnap penalty.PositiveRoleSep 21, 2026
Lock demonstrated in the Seahawks' 31-7 win over Arizona that the team has confidence in his ability to manage the offense and doesn't need to rush Darnold back from injury. His strong performance in relief suggests he can hold the starting role if Darnold's recovery extends beyond the Washington game.PositiveRoleSep 20, 2026
Drew Lock played great and made sure the ball was delivered to Smith-Njigba when the opening was there, supporting Smith-Njigba's elite performance in Week 2.PositiveProjectionSep 20, 2026
Lock started in place of injured Sam Darnold and completed 19 of 26 passes for 235 yards and 3 TDs with no interceptions. The source notes the Seahawks organization believes Lock is 'the best backup QB in the NFL,' and his performance in this start reinforces that evaluation. Lock's efficient passing and TD production helped establish early offensive momentum against Arizona.NegativeProjectionSep 20, 2026
Lock threw an 82-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba on Seattle's second offensive play, which is the second-longest completion of Lock's career. His career-long completion is a 92-yard touchdown pass to Jerry Jeudy in late 2020 against the Raiders when Lock was a rookie.PositiveProjectionSep 20, 2026
Lock played exactly the kind of game the Seahawks needed in his start in place of injured Sam Darnold: 9 of 14 passing for 138 yards and an 82-yard TD to Smith-Njigba. He could be 12 of 14 as he's had two passes outright dropped and another that could maybe have been classified as one. Lock is being smart with the ball, not taking too many risks and hitting his shots when they are there.PositiveProjectionSep 20, 2026
Drew Lock completed 19 of 26 passes (73.1%) for 235 yards and three touchdowns without a turnover in his first start in nearly two years, leading the Seahawks to a convincing 31-7 win over Arizona. He erased a 10-point second-half deficit against New England the previous week and is being described as looking like 'the best backup in the NFL,' demonstrating the team doesn't need to rush back Sam Darnold as he recovers from a glute injury.NegativeRoleSep 20, 2026
Drew Lock will start at quarterback for Seattle in Week 2 against Arizona with Sam Darnold sidelined by glute injury. Lock's biggest task will be to avoid turnovers; he earned a reputation for interceptions when he led the league with 15 picks in 13 starts for Denver in 2020, though his career interception rate of 2.8% is lower than Darnold's 2.9% and above the 2.2% league average from last year.PositiveRoleSep 18, 2026
Gets the start at quarterback Sunday against Arizona with Sam Darnold sidelined by a glute injury. Coach Mike Macdonald said Lock "did a lot of great things" in practice this week and noted the team has 48 hours until the 1:25 p.m. kickoff for Lock and the rest of the team to continue preparations.NegativeRoleSep 18, 2026
Lock will start at quarterback for the Seahawks on Sunday at Arizona in place of the injured Sam Darnold. This is his third start in a Seattle uniform and first since January 5, 2025 when he was with the Giants. The start serves as an audition for his future as he enters free agency next spring; his two-year contract with the Seahawks expires after this season.PositiveRoleSep 16, 2026
Lock will start at Arizona in Week 2 after entering the Week 1 game against New England when Darnold was injured. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and one touchdown in relief, leading the Seahawks to a 13-10 comeback win from a 10-0 third-quarter deficit. This will be his third start in a Seahawks uniform; he previously won a Monday night game against the Eagles in 2023. Defensive lineman Leonard Williams expressed confidence in Lock, saying 'we have all the faith' in him and calling him 'the best second-string quarterback in the league.'NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026
Drew Lock stepped in as backup QB after Sam Darnold's injury and steadied the Seahawks offense while avoiding turnovers in the Week 1 victory over the Patriots. The Seahawks demonstrated they can win with Lock under center, though the duration of Darnold's absence remains unknown.NegativeRoleSep 15, 2026
Lock is expected to start against Arizona in Week 2, ending a 38-game streak of starts by either Geno Smith or Sam Darnold; Lock last started for the Seahawks in Week 15 of the 2023 season with a 20-17 win over Philadelphia.NegativeRoleSep 14, 2026
Lock will start for the Seahawks beginning Sunday at Arizona in place of the injured Sam Darnold. He is one of only two quarterbacks on the roster alongside 2025 third-round pick Jalen Milroe. Lock's last start came in the 2024 season with the Giants, and he has two previous starts as a Seahawk in the 2023 season when Geno Smith was injured. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards, a touchdown and no interceptions in relief against New England.PositiveRoleSep 13, 2026
With Darnold sidelined, backup Drew Lock will start at Arizona in Week 2. Lock replaced Darnold mid-game Wednesday against the Patriots and completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions, demonstrating competent performance in relief.NegativeProjectionSep 12, 2026
Lock's career record as a Seahawks starter is 1-1, consisting of two games late in the 2023 season when Geno Smith was injured—a 28-16 loss at San Francisco and a 20-17 win over the Eagles on a Monday night; a win against the Cardinals would tie him for 16th most wins in team history with Dan McGwire at 2-3.NegativeRoleSep 12, 2026
Lock is likely to start Week 2 against the Cardinals as the Seahawks turn to a backup quarterback for the first time since 2023, when Lock was also under center; this marks his return to a starting role after Sam Darnold suffered a hip injury in the season-opening win against the Patriots.PositiveProjectionSep 11, 2026
Lock demonstrated elite efficiency in a Week 17 start for the Giants, throwing for four touchdowns and running for another in a 45-33 victory over the Colts. He became only the fifth player in NFL history to record 300+ passing yards, 4+ touchdown passes, 1+ rushing TD, and a passer rating above 155 in the same game, joining Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees, Josh Allen, and Ryan Fitzpatrick.PositiveRoleSep 11, 2026
Lock took over mid-game Wednesday after Sam Darnold limped off the field five plays in with a hip muscle injury, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown to help the Seahawks rally for a 13-10 victory over New England. If Darnold misses a game or two, Lock will start Sept. 20 at Arizona and potentially beyond, marking his third start as a Seahawk and eighth overall since 2021.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Lock replaced Darnold mid-game and led the Seahawks to a comeback from a 10-0 third-quarter deficit to secure the win. He completed 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown (a 45-yard pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba that tied the game in the fourth quarter), and critically did not commit a turnover. In the second half, Lock was particularly efficient, completing 10 of 14 passes for 136 yards and a touchdown while rushing twice for 13 yards, accounting for 149 of Seattle's 165 yards in the final two quarters. Coach Macdonald praised his performance, saying "I thought Drew played great. Just awesome, man. Ball was never in jeopardy, he was aggressive when he needed to be." Rapoport reported Lock is the likely starter for Seattle's game at Arizona on Sept. 20. Lock had played only in mop-up duty last season and appeared to grow more comfortable as the game progressed.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Drew Lock stepped in as backup quarterback after Sam Darnold's early injury and led the Seahawks to a thrilling 13-10 comeback victory over the Patriots, demonstrating the team's resilience with a backup QB in the lineup.PositiveProjectionSep 10, 2026
The source expresses optimism about Lock's potential if he becomes the starter for an extended period. Lock has demonstrated growth and a different mindset than his previous stints with the Giants and Seahawks, focusing on ball security and getting the ball to talented players rather than forcing deep shots. Lock stated: "Having the mindset of taking care of the football, getting it in our guys' hands, knowing that we have the best defense in the world, in my opinion, let's keep moving the ball forward and seeing what the score looks like at the end of this." Teammates including Julian Love ("Drew has been the best (No.) 2 in the NFL for years"), Abe Lucas ("he's got the utmost confidence in himself, and he balls out and he plays really hard"), and Jaxon Smith-Njigba ("full confidence in (No.) 2") expressed strong confidence in his ability to lead the offense.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Lock was thrust into action five plays into the season after Sam Darnold's hip injury, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards and a touchdown in 3½ quarters. In the second half, he was particularly sharp, hitting 10 of 14 passes for 136 yards and a 45-yard touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba on fourth down. The source notes Lock accomplished this with minimal preparation reps with the starters, having run scout team all week. Seahawks teammates expressed confidence in his ability; Cooper Kupp said he "did a phenomenal job" despite taking "basically no reps with any of the guys that were out there all week." Brady Russell added that "with a whole week of preparation, should be excited about seeing what he brings to the table."NegativeRoleSep 10, 2026
Lock started in place of injured Sam Darnold and led the Seahawks to a 13-10 win over New England, executing a fourth-down play-action pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 45-yard touchdown; he also threw a touchdown pass to Cooper Kupp that was negated by an illegal motion penalty.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Lock was thrown into a tough situation in his first live game action since the end of the 2024 season and appeared to need the first half to shake off the rust. To his credit, he did not commit a turnover while he and new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury found their footing. Each grew more comfortable in the second half; Fleury called more play-action plays and rollouts and Lock seemed to thrive, hitting on 10 of 14 passes for 136 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions in the second half in leading the Seahawks to score on three consecutive possessions.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Backup QB Drew Lock took over for injured Sam Darnold mid-game and led the Seahawks from a 10-0 third-quarter deficit to a 13-10 win, completing 16 of 22 passes for 187 yards with one TD and zero interceptions. Coach Mike Macdonald praised Lock's performance, saying "Drew Lock deserves a gigantic shout out for playing clean football," and Jaxon Smith-Njigba expressed full confidence in Lock to lead the offense while Darnold is out.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Lock took over after Sam Darnold's right hip injury on just the fifth play of the season. The source notes Lock is 'about as solid as can be asked for' among backup quarterbacks, with experience and pedigree to handle an extended role. In the second half, Lock went 10-of-14 for 136 yards and a touchdown, finding a groove with new offensive coordinator Brian Fleury's system after an initially disjointed first-half performance.PositiveRoleSep 10, 2026
Lock entered the game as backup after Darnold's early injury and led the Seahawks' comeback from a 10-0 deficit. He completed key passes including a play-action touchdown pass to Jaxon Smith-Njigba and three consecutive completions (9, 11, 11 yards) late in the game. Coach Mike Macdonald praised Lock for 'playing clean football' and never turning the ball over, with the team finishing with a 3-0 turnover margin. Lock last saw meaningful action late in the 2024 season with the Giants, where he threw only three passes.NegativeRoleSep 10, 2026
Drew Lock took over at quarterback after Sam Darnold's injury in the first quarter, marking his first extensive action since the 2024 season when he started five games for the Giants. Lock finished the first half 6 of 8 passing for 51 yards and was sacked once.NegativeRoleSep 9, 2026
Lock was thrust into action after Darnold's injury, taking over for the last four drives of the first half; he completed 6 of 8 passes for 51 yards with the offense looking disjointed, having thrown only three passes last season with the Giants and facing his first non-mopup duty since late 2024.PositiveRoleSep 9, 2026
Drew Lock stepped in as backup quarterback after Sam Darnold's injury on the fifth play of the season and led a rally from a 10-0 deficit to secure a 13-10 win over the Patriots. Lock found Jaxon Smith-Njigba for a 45-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter and managed the offense effectively in the second half despite the Seahawks' sloppy overall performance.NegativeDepth ChartSep 1, 2026
Backup quarterback Drew Lock is among notable players who can be unrestricted free agents following the 2026 season, giving the Seahawks a decision point on his future with the team.PositiveRoleAug 29, 2026
Lock played well in the second preseason game, giving Seattle confidence he can be a suitable starter if needed, securing his roster spot.NegativeRoleAug 27, 2026
Drew Lock is confirmed as the backup to Sam Darnold. He will be available as a backup if needed during Jalen Milroe's full-game start in the preseason finale, but the goal is for Milroe to take every snap.NegativeProjectionAug 24, 2026
Backup quarterback completed 12 of 14 passes for 103 yards and a 9-yard run to convert a third down, leading the Seahawks No. 2 offense to 16 points in the first quarter against Tennessee's No. 1 defense. Has played consistently well in training camp practices. The source notes his strong performance makes you wonder if he needs to play against Kansas City or if the Seahawks should risk it.PositiveProjectionAug 24, 2026
Lock led the No. 2 Seattle offense in the first half against Tennessee, completing 12 of 14 passes for 103 yards, one touchdown, zero interceptions, and a passer rating of 121.1. Head coach Mike Macdonald said 'He's done a good job (this camp).' Lock played the entire first half, in contrast to the Dallas game a week prior when he rotated every two series with Jalen Milroe.NegativeRoleAug 22, 2026
Backup quarterback; seems likely to start Sunday and get extended consecutive playing time. Saw little playing time last season so figures to get significant reps now to assure he's ready. Last week was 9-of-13 passing for 40 yards and a touchdown with one rush for 6 yards.NegativeUsageAug 21, 2026
Threw a TD pass to Jadarian Price on a wheel route during early seven-on-seven drill work, indicating involvement in offensive drills during joint practice.PositiveProjectionAug 16, 2026
Lock led an opening TD drive with a well-placed throw to Montorie Foster Jr. on third-and-goal at the 5 for the score. He was 9 of 13 for 40 yards and a TD with one rush for 6 yards. Lock was pushing the ball downfield and has had a good camp; he also has a résumé of 28 NFL starts to let the Seahawks know what they have in a backup QB. He was just off on two throws that would have made his day look better—a third-down pass about 20 yards downfield to Jake Bobo and a deep route down the sideline to Foster that might have gone for a TD.PositiveRoleAug 16, 2026
Lock led Seattle's opening drive, a 13-play, 80-yard march capped with a 5-yard touchdown pass to Montorie Foster Jr., demonstrating competence in the backup quarterback role during the preseason opener.PositiveRoleAug 14, 2026
Lock has solidified his hold on the No. 2 quarterback job behind Sam Darnold by taking almost every snap with the backups during camp. He will start the preseason game against Dallas, with the Seahawks hoping to see him perform in a game as well as he has in practice. Lock played just 38 snaps last season, making this preseason appearance significant for proving the team has a capable backup quarterback.PositiveRoleAug 12, 2026
Backup QB Lock had a strong practice, throwing a 20-yard pass to receiver Cody White between two defenders that White corralled near the sideline, a pinpoint pass down the sideline to running back Velus Jones Jr. right at the pylon for about a 20-yard TD, and another dart to tight end Elijah Arroyo for a 20-yard TD during a red-zone session.PositiveRoleAug 10, 2026
Lock has turned in some good days to solidify his hold on the backup quarterback spot behind Darnold.NegativeDepth ChartAug 5, 2026
Lock continues to work as the second-team quarterback behind starter Sam Darnold, with second-year QB Jalen Milroe working with the third-team offense.NegativeUsageAug 2, 2026
Backup quarterback Drew Lock threw a pass to Emanuel Wilson over the middle about 20 yards downfield during Day 7 practice.NegativeRoleAug 1, 2026
Quarterback Drew Lock worked with the second-team offense, as has been the case throughout camp.NegativeRoleAug 1, 2026
Quarterback Drew Lock continues to work with the second-team offense, maintaining his position ahead of Jalen Milroe in the quarterback depth chart throughout camp.