New York Jets have huge decision to make on quarterback
The New York Jets have the biggest decision facing them which a football team can make.
This offseason, New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas has to determine whether to stick with Sam Darnold, a 23-year-old former first-round pick, or use the No. 2 overall pick on his replacement. Should Douglas go the latter route, he has a bevy of potential choices including Justin Fields of Ohio State, BYU’s Zach Wilson and North Dakota State’s Trey Lance.
On Tuesday, Douglas spoke at New York’s season-ending press conference, and he wouldn’t commit to the incumbent. Per ESPN:
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“Look, we’ve got a lot of decisions to make,” Douglas said in an end-of-the-season Zoom call with reporters. “I think Sam’s going to be a great quarterback. I’m excited to get a head coach in here and go through our process.
“I think Sam has a very bright future in this league. We’re going to get a head coach in here, we’re going to get together and we’re going to talk about quite a few decisions. I’m excited about Sam.”
As a rookie in 2018, Darnold threw for 2,865 yards and 17 touchdowns against 15 touchdowns across 13 games. In 2019, the USC product improved with 3,024 yards and 19 touchdowns with 13 interceptions, against in 13 games.
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Then, Darnold fell apart along with the Jets this season. In a dozen tilts, Darnold threw for 2,208 yards and nine touchdowns with 11 interceptions. For Douglas, who took the job this past offseason, it’s reasonable to believe he’s going to process what he watched, take in the input of a new coaching staff, and then bring in a new face to jumpstart a new era.
Should he trade Darnold, the Jets could expect to net a Day 2 pick. Darnold did finish the season strong by winning two of his final three starts — and playing respectably well in the process. At 23, he remains someone who has upside, especially if he lands in a stable situation with a good coach.
Ultimately, Douglas simply needs to be correct. Even if Darnold goes onto a good career elsewhere, it all comes down to if Douglas can find a superior talent. Fields seems the best bet considering his resume at Ohio State, although some would argue for Wilson.
Regardless, there are ample candidates to be under center for Gang Green in 2020. Douglas and Co. have one mandate: find the best one.
