FLORHAM PARK, NJ – As he prepares for what could be his last game with the New York Jets, it sounds like Sam Darnold knows where the organization can find its long-term answer at quarterback.
By staying with him.
Despite his worst statistical season, Darnold said on Thursday that he hopes to stay with the Jets and believes he can develop into a franchise quarterback.
“I absolutely believe my best days are ahead,” said Darnold, 23, who was drafted third overall in 2018.
Darnold falls short of expectations – 13-24 as a starter – fueling speculation that the Jets will trade him and pick his replacement with the runner-up in the 2021 NFL draft.
He insisted that he will not be approaching a possible last game on Sunday. The Jets (2-13), winners of two straights, face the New England Patriots (6-9) on the road.
“I’m a Jet now,” said Darnold. “I know we all like to think about hypotheses and what if, but I’m a Jet now. I love to be here. I like the guys in the locker room. I enjoy going to work here every day. ‘
Darnold said he has not spoken to general manager Joe Douglas about his future. He has one more year on his rookie contract, with a fifth-year 2022 option to be exercised in early May.
What hinders its future is lack of development, plus a prime draft position. With the second pick, the Jets could take Ohio’s Justin Fields or BYU’s Zach Wilson and flip Darnold for draft picks.
Much depends on who coaches the team. Adam Gase is expected to be fired after the game and his replacement will have a say in the quarterback decision.
“I think there are pieces where I didn’t play as well as I should have, and I’ll be the first to admit it,” said Darnold.
Darnold is the lowest-scoring passer in the NFL (72.3), with just eight touchdown passes and nine interceptions, but he drives a career-best run of three consecutive games with no turnovers.
“That’s where Sam’s growth has come in for the past few weeks,” said offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains. ‘He knows,’ Get rid of the cape. You don’t have to be Superman. ”
Gase said the no-turnover streak is “a big step. Would I love it if he has more three and four touchdown games? Absolutely, but that’s not something we can necessarily control, right?”
Darnold’s decision-making, rigor and footwork need work, said Gase, who said it was unfair to criticize him for the offensive battle. Early in the season, Darnold pitched to second and third string receivers due to injuries.
Gase admitted to poorly coaching the crime. At the same time, Darnold acknowledged that he did not help his coach.
Darnold called this the most challenging year of his football career, all the way back to high school.
“Yes, I would say that,” said Darnold, who also suffered a sprained shoulder that sidelined him for four games. “I’ve had some tough seasons in high school, but this has definitely been a tough season.”