Though no one inside One Jets Drive has publically admitted it, the Sam Darnold era in New York inches closer and closer to its conclusion as the Jets’ season sinks into hopelessness.
Darnold basically acknowledged it himself when he told reporters he wanted to be a Jet for life but “that decision isn’t up to me.” Though Darnold hasn’t been great for the Jets during his three seasons, he’s shown flashes of potential, enough that some believe he could turn his career around with a change of scenery.
Quarterbacks always have good trade value, and Darnold’s age – he turned 23 in June – makes him even more intriguing. If someone like Josh Rosen could net the Cardinals a second-round pick, Darnold could surely be worth more than that. Teddy Bridgewater, Tyrod Taylor and Alex Smith were all worth third-round picks.
The Jets will likely have a shot at either Trevor Lawrence or Justin Fields in the 2021 draft, which would spell the end of Darnold’s time in New York even though he still has a year left on his rookie contract. Joe Douglas could very easily ship him to another team, regain some of the draft capital the Jets lost when they traded up for him three years ago, and move forward with a new rookie quarterback next season.
In that scenario, here are six potential landing spots for Darnold.