Account
Sam Darnold Trade Rumors: Latest Buzz on Broncos', WFT's Interest in Jets QB
March 17, 2021
The Washington Football Team went out and got Ryan Fitzpatrick, according to Adam Schefter. The Chicago Bears went out and got Andy Dalton, per Schefter. And, just like that, the once-enticing market for Sam Darnold has begun evaporating.
Darnold, now 23 years old, has spent three seasons having his future with the New York Jets questioned. With a new head coach, Robert Saleh, in town, those questions have only amplified. Originally, the market was expected to be a large one, as Dov Kleiman reported eight NFL teams had reached out to New York inquiring about the former No. 3 pick.
Two days later, two of the shakier QB rooms in Washington and Chicago went elsewhere and brought in veterans. And, for Jets fans still hoping Washington might still be in the running for the pedigree QB, ESPN's Dianna Russini offered up a disheartening report.
After the Bears and Washington, the Denver Broncos have been another option. Drew Lock's future as the team's signal-caller is uncertain and many have noted that Broncos president John Elway has had a rumored interest in Darnold dating back to 2018.
Still, it appears that negotiations between Denver and New York are at an impasse. A recently rumored trade, Tim Patrick and a second-rounder for Darnold, has been shut down by Broncos reporter Benjamin Allbright.
With QB-needy teams looking to veterans and the Broncos seemingly hoping for a discount, Darnold may be Saleh's quarterback for 2021. The young signal-caller is 13-25 on his career, with no thanks to an inconsistent environment, but he can look to turn things around with former Tennessee Titan Corey Davis joining the roster, per Connor Hughes of The Athletic.
Additionally, many hope that Saleh can bring over some semblance of the organizational culture that has made the San Francisco 49ers such a successful, consistent franchise. Darnold's contract expires after this season, with New York holding a club option for 2022. If the market is this dry right now, the Jets may need to stick with it and see if their 2018 pick can start turning things around.