Weeks ago, it looked like Sam Darnold’s Jets tenure was nearing its inevitable end with New York likely to select Clemson standout Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 pick next April. Naturally New York botched that opportunity—the top pick in next year’s draft now belongs to Jacksonville—and while Gang Green could still land a future franchise signal-caller like Justin Fields or Zach Wilson, the door is open at least a crack for Darnold to remain the Jets’ starter in 2021. If the Jets punt on drafting a quarterback, the team must then decide whether to exercise Darnold’s fifth-year option for 2022, which would pay the 23-year-old north of $25 million.
Darnold, who arrived in East Rutherford as the third overall pick in 2018, has helped himself by winning his last two starts with both victories coming against winning opponents (Rams and Browns). He’s also riding a career-best streak of three straight games without a turnover. While Darnold’s New York future is anything but certain heading into Week 17 against New England, the former USC Trojan is hopeful he’ll be donning a Jets uniform next year.
“I absolutely believe my best days are ahead,” said Darnold, who acknowledged this has been his most difficult season, even dating back to high school. “I love being here. I love the guys in the locker room. I love going to work every single day here."
Coach Adam Gase lamented Darnold’s development in comments to the media earlier this year, taking responsibility for the quarterback’s stagnation and overall lack of inconsistency. “I think there are stretches where I didn't play nearly as well as I should have and I'll be the first to admit it,” said Darnold via ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “This has definitely been a tough season.”
Darnold, who has won just 13 of his 37 NFL starts, said his future with the organization has not come up in discussions with GM Joe Douglas. The numbers don’t paint a very inviting picture—his 72.3 quarterback rating is dead-last among qualified starters—though offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains has liked what he’s seen from Darnold of late. “That's where Sam's growth has come the last couple of weeks,” said Loggains, commending Darnold’s improvement in recent weeks. “He knows. Put the cape away. You don't need to be Superman.”
Will Sunday’s finale close the book once and for all on the Jets’ brief but memorable Sam Darnold Era? That’s TBD, though whoever New York hires to replace Gase will certainly have a say in that decision.
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