Darnold’s absence disappoints Jets
Sam Darnold and the New York Jets are still in a contract stalemate — with no clear resolution in sight.
The team held its third practice of training camp without the prized rookie quarterback on Sunday, the first session open to the general public. While there were plenty of green and white No. 14 jerseys roaming the Jets’ practice facility, none were being worn by the No. 3 overall pick in the NFL draft.
Darnold is unsigned and staying away from the team while his representatives and the Jets continue to hash out details in his contract. Meanwhile, many fans remain somewhat surprisingly patient and optimistic that the young quarterback will get to camp.
“Of course I’m disappointed,” said 24-year-old Kelly Stickle, a New Jersey resident wearing a No. 28 Curtis Martin jersey. “I mean, (he’s) the prospective starting quarterback, but hopefully they’ll reach an agreement soon and he’ll be out here.”
Both sides are hoping that’s
the case. But it’s unclear when that will happen.
“I’ll get an update when he runs out on the field,” Jets coach Todd Bowles said. “I’m a coach. I don’t handle the money or anything like that, or the business side of it. I understand it all and I am aware of it all, but I coach the guys that are out here and that’s all I am worried about.”
Under the slotting system in the NFL, Darnold will receive a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $30.247 million, including a $20 million signing bonus — when he signs.
But the dispute seems to hang on contract language.
One issue could be offsets, which if included could provide a team with a measure of financial protection if it cuts a player during his rookie contract. Not having offset language, a condition that Darnold’s representatives are apparently seeking, allows a player to receive his remaining salary from the team that cut him, as well as get paid by another team that signs him.
According to published reports by ESPN and the New York Post, another hang-up could be default language that is related to the guaranteed money. Some teams include stipulations
that could void guarantees if a player is fined and/or suspended by the NFL for disciplinary reasons.
“I’m a businessman and I understand,” said 40-year-old Washington resident Kevin Deans, who was sporting a Darnold jersey. “It seems that they’ve just got to work some stuff out. I don’t hold it against anyone.”
That seemed to be the general feeling among many fans who attended Jets practice. They’re not happy Darnold isn’t in camp, but are hopeful this storyline will soon go away.
“It’s really unfortunate that Sam’s not here,” said 23-year-old Jimmy Egan of Yonkers, New York. “Obviously,
we want him here to get the chemistry with the players and all that. But, I think from his perspective, he’s letting his agent handle the business side. It’s unfortunate, but hopefully it gets done soon.
“Hopefully, we’ll get Sam out here practicing with the guys and hopefully he starts against the Lions in September.”
That could become a much tougher task for Darnold the longer he holds out of camp. The 21-yearold quarterback is expected to compete with Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater for the starting job, but is losing valuable on-field and in-classroom time with each passing day.