Jets fans are not in a happy place right now. Whether the concern stems from Adam Gase's role as head coach, or from Sam Darnold's lack of development by his third season, or from any of the other problems currently obstructing the organization's path to success, there's a lot of justifiable worry floating around the franchise.
And while patience for Gase and Darnold has been preached by several figures, including 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan, it seems as though there may not be enough patience left to save at least one of their jobs.
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Gase's seat is about as hot as any in the NFL, should the above report come to fruition. But what about that of quarterback Sam Darnold, especially after the team's 0-3 start and with top prospect Trevor Lawrence available to whatever team happens to finish at the very bottom of the barrel this season?
Darnold's former teammate at USC and current Steelers star wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster realizes Darnold's future is uncertain in New York, but still expressed his confidence that he will eventually turn into a great NFL quarterback (h/t Tyler Sullivan of CBS Sports).
"I played with Sam Darnold in college and he was a great player, led us to the Rose Bowl and ended up winning it in a shoot-off against Saquon (Barkley) and (Penn State)," Smith-Schuster said on the "All Things Covered" podcast, hosted by Patrick Peterson and Bryant McFadden. "So there's no doubt that he has the 'it' factor in him... and the NFL is a lot different now with the schemes.
"I think it just takes time. I think his time's coming soon. Right now I think it's tough because (of) the situation that he's in, but at the end of the day they're drafting the right guys that they need to make those plays."
Darnold's college career was hugely successful, with over 7,000 yards and 57 touchdowns In two seasons as USC's starter. Smith-Schuster benefited from this dominant performance -- and helped to fuel Darnold's success --, hauling in 70 receptions for 914 yards and 10 touchdowns in 2016 with Darnold at the helm.
Seeing as their connection was so strong in college, Smith-Schuster would be open to a reunion should the Jets decide to part ways with Darnold.
"Sam Darnold, if we could get him to Pittsburgh, I would," Smith-Schuster said. "But I love Ben (Roethlisberger) so it is what it is... I'm just saying, man, he's a great kid. I played with him, so he's one of my boys... I wouldn't mind playing with him again."
Though Darnold's contract is cheap and allows the Jets to keep him in town for the 2021 and 2022 seasons by utilizing his fifth-year option, an awful 2020 campaign and subsequent first-overall draft pick would likely mean that Trevor Lawrence is coming to town. Though the below article is outdated by a week, it still holds true after the Jets' and Giants' abysmal Week 3 performances.
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With Ben Roethlisberger's inevitable retirement coming at some point in the near future -- he's 38 years old, after all -- Darnold could be someone that the Steelers target in a trade, especially if Lawrence suits up in green at the start of the 2021 season.
Not only is Darnold's future uncertain, but the same can be said for Smith-Schuster's. Though he is enjoying a bounce-back campaign so far in 2020, it's his contract year and the organization has a decision to make. Smith-Schuster has dealt with several injuries, the Steelers don't have all too much in the way of future cap space and project to be over the cap by next season, and there are three young, capable wide receivers behind Smith-Schuster (Diontae Johnson, James Washington, Chase Claypool). Earlier this year, reports surfaced saying that it very well could be his last season in Pittsburgh.
If it were up to Smith-Schuster, however, he'd be in the Steel City for a long time.
I'm more so about (being) in the best situation for myself, and if that means staying on the (Steelers), I would love that," Smith-Schuster said. "I would love to be a Pittsburgh Steeler for life. I've talked to other teammates who (have been) on other organizations and it doesn't really work out for them very well just because they're offering more money. The grass is not always greener on the other side. I kind of like where I'm at with the grass I'm on -- it's very green.
"I already established my brand, myself in this organization. At the end of the day, we can come up with something where they'll keep me here and I'll be playing for another four years."
We're sure Steelers fans wouldn't mind having the joyful, friendly, and extremely talented Smith-Schuster in town for some time, as well.
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