NY Jets are leaning toward moving on from Sam Darnold, per report

NY Jets, Sam Darnold Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
NY Jets, Sam Darnold Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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NY Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold‘s future remains uncertain as we approach the end of February. The former No. 3 overall pick has been the subject of rampant rumors this offseason regarding his status on the Jets’ roster.

Could the Jets look to move on from Darnold in pursuit of his replacement? Or will he be given one final chance to prove that he’s the guy?

While it remains unclear as of now, one recent report suggests the Jets have an idea of what they will ultimately decide to do.

Brandon Tierney of CBS Sports reported on Saturday that the Jets are “leaning toward moving on from Sam Darnold” as of right now. However, Tierney did indicate that the “building is somewhat split.”

What will the NY Jets decide to do with Sam Darnold?

Tierney’s report suggests that there are still some members of the Jets’ organization that might still want to keep Darnold. That said, it does appear as though there are more in favor of the opposite.

Darnold is coming off the worst year of his professional career having posted just nine touchdowns as compared to 11 interceptions a year ago. He completed under 60 percent of his passes and averaged a woeful 6.1 yards per attempt.

He was arguably the worst starting quarterback in football. His situation was certainly poor, but his disappointing play superseded that.

The question is does the new Jets’ coaching staff headed by Robert Saleh and Mike LaFleur believe they could salvage Darnold’s career? Perhaps some in the organization do, but no one knows exactly how Saleh and LaFleur feel.

And perhaps more importantly, it’s unclear how general manager Joe Douglas feels.

With the No. 2 overall pick in one of the best quarterback classes in recent memory, would the Jets really pass on selecting Darnold’s replacement given that he only has one year left on his rookie contract?

It seems like a foolish decision given how poorly Darnold has played and his looming contract expiration.

But plenty of people in the NFL remain high on Darnold and don’t feel as though he’s been given a fair shake. It’s hard to argue that the environment he’s been placed in over the last three years has been conducive to developing a young quarterback.

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The Jets might ultimately decide to move on from Darnold for logistical and financial reasons. And though no decision has been made as of yet, it seems as though that’s the direction they’re leaning.