The Jets have not said who the quarterback will be in 2021, but recently-signed receiver Corey Davis said he joined Gang Green under the assumption Sam Darnold would be the starter.
“Obviously, I’m coming with my understanding that Sam is the guy,” Davis told reporters over Zoom on Tuesday, per ESPN. “That doesn’t scare me away at all. I’ve seen Sam do great things, and I have all the belief in him. Whatever direction they decide to go, it’s on me to make sure that I’m ready.”
Darnold is coming off his worst season. He threw for just 2,208 yards and nine touchdowns with 11 interceptions in 12 games. He was the 35th-rated passer in the league in 2020 – which ranked last among all qualified passers.
Davis, who signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal, still liked what he saw from Darnold. He called the 23-year-old a “great leader” and a competitor who he’s heard a lot of positive things about from other Jets players.
“I’m looking forward to playing with him,” Davis said. “We can both learn from each other. He’s young, and we’re both growing. We can grow together.”
Responding to a follow-up question, Davis confirmed that it’s “my understanding” he’ll be catching passes from Darnold.
Joe Douglas and Robert Saleh remain uncommitted to Darnold, though, and have continued to espouse patience with their quarterback decision. Douglas said on March 3 that his stance on Darnold “hasn’t changed” and that he and the team will continue to evaluate all their options – which includes drafting a quarterback second overall – before coming to a verdict on their 2021 starter. Douglas even went so far as to say he’d listen to trade offers for Darnold.