NY Jets reportedly could keep Sam Darnold and draft a quarterback

The NY Jets have a decision to make at the quarterback position this offseason. Should they keep Sam Darnold or opt to target his replacement in the 2021 NFL Draft?

Or could they do both? It seems far-fetched, but it might be a legitimate possibility.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported on Wednesday that the Jets are truly leaving all options on the table, and that includes the possibility of drafting a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick and keeping Darnold.

Could this actually happen, though? And does it make any sense?

Could the NY Jets actually keep Sam Darnold and draft a quarterback?

Fowler indicated that the Jets are truly considering every option and that “there’s still legit sentiment for Darnold’s skill set in the building.”

That said, that quote and this report in general certainly sound like trade posturing. It’s hard to believe that this is a scenario the Jets, or any team for that matter, would even consider.

If you could trade Darnold and receive anything in return, which they obviously will be able to, it makes virtually no sense to keep him. Doing so would place both players in an unenviable situation.

The Jets would clearly be stating that Darnold isn’t in their long-term plans by drafting a quarterback. They obviously wouldn’t pick up Darnold’s fifth-year option mere days after the draft leaving any potential for a true “QB competition” more or less a moot point.

The Jets wouldn’t pick up Darnold’s fifth-year option. He’d be playing in the final year of his deal in 2021. Even if he did outplay the rookie QB, it would be painfully obvious to everyone what the future held.

And then what? Darnold walks after a year and you get nothing? And you’ve exasperated the situation by bringing your rookie quarterback into a toxic environment.

Where is the positive in all of this? There is none. It simply makes no sense.

It’s no surprise that a report like this comes out now, as reports of Darnold’s sinking trade value continue to surface. It should be clear what’s happening here.

No, the Jets aren’t going to keep Darnold and draft a quarterback. No, that’s not an option they’re seriously considering.

April 29th can’t get here quick enough.