AFC East news: Jets’ Robert Saleh, Joe Douglas ‘believe in’ Sam Darnold
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On Saturday, the two 2018 first-round quarterbacks that’ll be on center stage are the Bills’ Josh Allen and Ravens’ Lamar Jackson in the AFC Divisional round.
But once the 2021 NFL season rolls around, it appears another rivalry from that same class could continue. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, despite huge changes in New York, the Jets appear to currently be sticking with quarterback Sam Darnold next season.
Per Schefter, who spoke on SportsCenter on Friday:
“I think that Joe Douglas and his staff believe in him, Robert Saleh believes in him and I think that they’d like to give Sam Darnold an opportunity for a full season, when he’s healthy, with a new staff, to see what he can do. I would be surprised if Sam Darnold were not the starting quarterback on opening day.”
Saleh and Douglas have yet to hold an introductory press conference. His hiring was reported late on Thursday evening and Darnold will certainly be a topic of conversation.
Since being selected No. 3 overall in 2018, before both Allen and Jackson, Darnold has a 13-25 overall record with 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions so far in his career. He’s also averaged 2,699 passing yards over his first three seasons.
The biggest factor for the Jets isn’t Darnold’s successes or lack thereof, it’s the fact that the team holds the No. 2 overall pick. The Jets could use that selection at the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft to pick a replacement for him.
This story is likely to take twists and turns until April’s rookie selection extravaganza, though. Be sure to stay tuned to Bills Wire and Jets Wire for the latest AFC East quarterback updates.
