Sam DarnoldAl Pereira/Getty Images
The New York Jets are less of a wild card and more of an extreme long shot. Why? Because they are the team that drafted Darnold, only to trade him three years later.
New York has been one of the league’s most dysfunctional organizations during Darnold’s lifetime, and it’s had little success with drafting, developing or supporting quarterbacks. Why would Darnold voluntarily return to that?
Money might be the biggest reason, and the Jets may have some to spare if, as expected, they part with Aaron Rodgers in the offseason.
New York is projected to have $32 million in cap space and could save another $9.5 million by releasing the 41-year-old with a post-June 1 designation. Also releasing Davante Adams would save another $30 million in cap space.
Darnold could, in theory, finally get his “franchise-QB” money, along with a shot at redemption in New York. Even then, though, his history with the franchise could make that a non-starter.
“The Jets are the objectively hilarious destination,” ESPN’s Dan Graziano wrote on November 13.
From New York’s perspective, though, bringing back Darnold could make sense. The front office that failed to develop him is long gone, and the Jets will be in the market for a new head coach and general manager in 2025—Robert Saleh and Joe Douglas have already been fired.
New York’s next head coach could view Darnold as the right quarterback to finally maximize players like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. That could be particularly true if the Jets hire, say, Vikings offensive coordinator Wes Phillips or Kubiak to be their next head coach.
Is a Jets return likely for Darnold? Probably not, but in today’s NFL, it’s impossible to rule anything out.
New York has tried just about every other avenue at the game’s most important position. Perhaps the right blueprint for the Jets is to draft a quarterback, let someone else develop him and bring him back once he’s ready to shine.
Darnold has shown he’s ready for his time in the spotlight.
*Cap and contract information via Spotrac.