NY Jets: Josh McCown makes the case to keep Sam Darnold

Everyone seems to have an opinion on what the NY Jets should do with both quarterback Sam Darnold and the No. 2 overall pick. The latest to weigh in on the impending decision is former Jets’ quarterback Josh McCown.

McCown recently spoke with ESPN’s Rich Cimini and the two discussed how the narrative surrounding Darnold has changed over the last three years.

In a line that rings all too true, McCown remarked that “Three years ago, it was ‘Suck for Sam.’ Now it’s, ‘Sucked for Sam.'”

McCown went on to detail how Darnold has remained upbeat and positive throughout this entire process, despite daily rumors that the team that selected him third overall just three years ago is expected to trade him.

In response to rumors that the Jets could both draft a rookie quarterback and hold on to Darnold, McCown insisted that it could be a feasible scenario.

“Can it be done? Absolutely. In my mind, if you can’t get the value now for him, that’s absolutely how you go about it. I wouldn’t even call it a competition. I would just say, ‘We’re going to go with Sam [Darnold] as the guy and bring Zach [Wilson] along.’ If Sam knocks it out of the park, we’ll re-evaluate where we are a year from now.”

McCown stated that Darnold would “embrace” the situation and could even help the rookie quarterback, in this case Zach Wilson, as he continues to develop.

It’s a noble thought, one that was presented earlier in the week by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. But does it make any sense?

The NY Jets are unlikely to draft a quarterback and keep Sam Darnold

The potential risk of holding on to Darnold and drafting a quarterback makes the possible scenario incredibly unlikely and unwise. If the Jets draft a QB with the second overall pick, that player will be the undisputed guy to build around.

The Jets wouldn’t pick up Darnold’s fifth-year option meaning that he’d go into the 2021 season on the final year of his deal. And for those banking on him improving his trade value, don’t count on it.

The entire idea of adding a quarterback who might compete for playing time as late as the preseason or even training camp is impractical in many ways.

In all likelihood, Darnold’s value will only continue to decrease from here on out. Is there a chance that if he plays well in the preseason and if another team loses their starter that he could fetch a more sizable return package?

Sure, it’s theoretically possible. But that’s a lot of uncertainty to rely on.

The Jets are almost assuredly going to draft a quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick and trade Darnold, either before the pick is made or in the days following the selection.

That’s the route that makes the most sense. And that’s the route that they’re likely going to take.