Jets open to trading QB Darnold
Sam Darnold’s time as the face of the Jets franchise might be nearing a disappointing end.
The 23-year-old quarterback was considered an untouchable player on the roster only a year ago. General manager Joe Douglas has backed off that stance, though, and it could signal a major change at the position as free agency and the NFL draft approach.
“I will answer the call if it’s made,” Douglas said Wednesday when asked if he’d listen to offers for Darnold. “As it pertains to Sam, Sam’s, we think, a dynamic player in this league with unbelievable talent and who really, really has a chance to really hit his outstanding potential moving forward.
“But, you know, like I said earlier, if calls are made, I will answer.”
Douglas’ comments during a video call that included new coach Robert Saleh marked the first time the GM directly acknowledged being willing to trade Darnold. And that has the quarterback’s future with the Jets murky — just three years after being hailed as a potential longterm solution at a position that has long lacked consistent production.
Then-GM Mike Maccagnan traded up in the draft to select Darnold with the No. 3 overall pick in 2018, but the quarterback hasn’t lived up to those lofty expectations because of inconsistency and injuries.
Darnold is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal and is scheduled to count $9.8 million against the Jets’ salary cap.
The Jets currently hold the No. 2 overall pick in the draft next month, and QBs Zach Wilson of BYU and Justin Fields of Ohio State are among the names being mentioned as options for the Jets. They’re also considered potential suitors for the Texans’ Deshaun Watson.
Former tight end Kellen Winslow II was sentenced to 14 years in prison for multiple rapes and other sexual offenses against five women in Southern California, including one who was homeless when he attacked her in 2018. The 37-year-old son of Chargers
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