Sam Darnold Trade Rumors: NFL GM Doesn't Think Jets Would Receive 1st-Round Pick

A 0-4 start could have the New York Jets thinking about moving on from quarterback Sam Darnold, although multiple general managers believe he is not worth a first-round pick in a trade, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

"I don't think they'd get a [first-round pick] for Sam, but it also depends what he puts on tape the rest of the year," one GM said. "The problem is, [Darnold] is struggling with his accuracy, his durability—so they're in a tough spot. And if everyone knows the Jets are taking a quarterback, then they won't get as much back."

Darnold was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft but has just three touchdown passes and four interceptions this season, leading to a career-low 70.7 quarterback rating.

If the team ends up with the No. 1 overall draft pick this year, the Jets could draft a new quarterback—presumably Clemson's Trevor Lawrence—and trade Darnold.

The return is a significant question mark, however, with another general manager predicting a second- to fourth-round range.

"The high-water mark would be a [second-round pick] for him," a GM said. "I think they could get a [fourth-round pick] for him, but if he finished positive for him, they might get a 2 for him. In college, he was a turnover machine. In the NFL, he has been a turnover machine. I just don't think he has the credentials to go for a 1."

Darnold has certainly displayed impressive flashes during his young career, especially showing off his agility over the past few weeks:

He is also far from the only cause of the Jets' struggles with the team also allowing the third-most points in the NFL this season.

A quarterback-needy team could bet on the talent and hope a better situation could lead to more success for Darnold. Schefter speculated the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints could all be in the market this offseason.