Waiting game: Darnold still a no-show at Jets training camp
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. » Still no sign of Sam Darnold.
The No. 3 overall draft pick sat out of New York Jets camp for the second straight day in a contract impasse that has already lasted longer than most expected.
Darnold is expected to compete with Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater for the starting quarterback job once he’s under contract. But he and Chicago linebacker Roquan Smith, the No. 8 choice, remain the only unsigned picks from the entire NFL draft.
“I’m just worried about the guys that are here,” coach Todd Bowles said Saturday. “The guys that are here are going to play and we’re going to get ready for the season. And, when he comes in, he comes in.”
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 offset language, 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 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.
“It’s part of the business,” Bowles said, insisting he’s not frustrated by Darnold’s absence. “You deal with something every year. I’m not disappointed. I have a bunch of guys out here to coach and get ready for the season.”
Jets’ McGuire breaks foot
FLORHAM PARK, N.J. » Jets running back Eli McGuire has a broken foot that will likely sideline him for several weeks. Bowles confirmed the injury after practice Saturday. He says McGuire was hurt Friday while making a cut — a non-contact injury — during the Jets’ first practice of training camp in the team’s indoor facility. McGuire was seen limping off the field late in the session and didn’t return.
Panthers’ Williams hurts knee
SPARTANBURG, S.C. » Panthers right tackle Daryl Williams was screaming in pain and carted off the field with his right knee in a brace.
Coach Ron Rivera didn’t elaborate on the injury after the team’s first full practice in pads but said Williams was returning to Charlotte, North Carolina, to be examined.
Rivera said it was difficult for players to resume practice after watching what happened.
“We were kind of floating right there, especially on the offensive side,” he said. “You could feel it and it takes a little wind out of your sails a little bit. But after that period we refocused.”
Williams was engaged with two pass rushers during 11-on-11 team drills at Wofford College when his knee bent back awkwardly. Several players gathered around Williams and others took a knee while the crowd went silent.