Jets’ Douglas praises Darnold, but open to trade
NEW YORK — Sam Darnold’s time as the face of the New York 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 long-term solution at a position that has long lacked consistent production.
“Our stance on Sam hasn’t changed,” Douglas insisted. “He’s an extremely talented player and he’s very smart, very tough. And we have no doubt that Sam is going to achieve his outstanding potential. Obviously, we’re in the process of getting as much information as we can leading up through free agency and the draft.”
Then-GM Mike Maccagnan traded up in the draft to select Darnold with the No. 3 overall pick in 2018, but the quarterback has not lived up to those lofty expectations because of inconsistency and injuries. Former coach Adam Gase acknowledged he didn’t help Darnold enough to thrive, and the Jets lacked playmaking talent to help him take the next step in his development.
While Darnold has shown flashes during his three NFL seasons, there remain serious doubts as to whether he can lift the franchise. His contract also makes his status uncertain.
Darnold is entering the fourth year of his rookie deal and is scheduled to count $9.8 million against the Jets’ salary cap. While that’s a manageable cost, New York has until May 3 to decide whether to exercise Darnold’s fifth-year option — which would cost the Jets between $15 million and $20 million, fully guaranteed.
New York currently holds the No. 2 overall pick in the draft next month, and BYU’s Zach Wilson and Ohio State’s Justin Fields are among the names being mentioned as options for the Jets.
But they are also being mentioned as potential suitors for Houston’s Deshaun Watson, who wants out — although the Texans have, for now, insisted they have no intention of dealing the star quarterback. If the Texans do change their stance, any deal would likely have to include lots of draft capital. And that’s something it doesn’t appear Douglas is willing to part with.
While rumors swirl, Douglas contended that the Jets, who are expected to have about $80 million to spend under the cap, have no immediate deadline on making a decision on Darnold or the quarterback position.
The Jets could also opt to stick with Darnold, for at least this year, and trade down from No. 2 to acquire several more roster-building draft picks.
Among other topics: Douglas said in January that safety Marcus Maye, scheduled to be a free agent, would be a priority for the team this offseason. Maye appears to be a likely candidate for a franchise tag. Agent Erik Burkhardt was critical of the Jets’ handling of Maye’s situation in a Twitter post Tuesday night, but Douglas brushed off those comments.
Saleh is optimistic the Jets, who haven’t made the playoffs in an NFL-worst 10 seasons, can become contenders in the near future.
“We’re going to win championships here,” the coach insisted. “To give you a timeline, I wish I knew, I’d go to Vegas. But we’re excited about the opportunity that we have in front of us.”
Woody Johnson has returned as the Jets’ chairman after a four-year stint as the U.S. Ambassador to the U.K. His brother Christopher served as the chairman and CEO in his absence, and is now the team’s vice chairman.
TOP PERFORMERS
James Celentano, Newtown/New Fairfield:
Scored a hat trick in 5-1 win over JBWA. Added a goal and an assist in 2-1 win over New Milford.
Finn Cullen, Norwalk/ McMahon: Netted a natural hat trick in the first period and four goals total in a 7-3 win over Wilton. Scored two more goals in 4-2 win over JBWA.
Sam Erickson, Darien:
Scored the opening goal in 4-0 win over Ridgefield and added two more goals in 5-1 win over St. Joseph.
Owen Finnegan, Trumbull: Scored two goals to lead Trumbull to a 3-1 win in the inaugural Coach Eddy Cup St. Joseph.
Aiden Garvey, BBD:
Scored with 4.9 seconds left to cap off the BBD comeback in its 4-3 win over New Milford. He added an assist in the game.
Finn Hoey, Fairfield co-op: Scored three goals in a wild 7-5 win over New Canaan.
Will Huntington, Fairfield Prep: Netted a hat trick and an assist in 6-1 win over Notre Dame-Fairfield.
Owen McGoldrick, Conard: Scored four goals in 6-2 win over Northeastern and scored twice in 8-1 win over Housatonic co-op.
Chris Schofield, Darien: Made 18 saves to earn
shutout 4-0 win over Ridgefield.
Zach Schwartz, Staples: Netted a hat-trick in 5-3 win over Westhill/Stamford and scored two goals in 5-2 win over Wilton
Connor Smith, Notre Dame-West Haven: Made 25 saves in 2-0 shutout win over Ridgefield.
Will Stewart, Ridgefield: Scored three goals in 5-1 win over St. Joseph.
Malcolm Thompson, Immaculate: Scored two goals – including his first varsity – and added an assist in 5-4 win against Hamden. Notched another assist in 5-1 loss to West Haven.
Ethan Utermarck, East Catholic: Made 38 saves in 1-0 overtime win over Farmington Valley.
Charlie Zolin, Greenwich: Made 31 saves in shutout 1-0 win vs. New Canaan.
THURSDAY
Watertown-Pomperaug at Guilford, Thursday, 4:20 p.m.: Guilford will finally play in a game this season…we hope.
FRIDAY
Norwalk/McMahon at BBD, Friday, 7:45 p.m.: Two of the top teams in the traditional Division III face off in an out of conference game.
SATURDAY
Notre Dame-West Haven at West Haven, 1 p.m.: You know what they say about rivalry games.
South Windsor at East Catholic, Saturday, 2:30 p.m.: The CCC North Division continues to beat each other up in close games. This will be another one.
Fairfield co-op at Darien, Saturday, 4:20 p.m.: The second game of a backto-back between the two teams. These two games will tell us a lot about the Fairfield co-op team.
Staples at Trumbull, Saturday, 8:30 p.m.: Preview of the FCIAC D2/D3 tournament championship? Could be.
MONDAY
Sheehan at Westhill/ Stamford, Monday, 4 p.m.: A nice out of conference test for both squads.