The New York Jets are in the quarterback market after the release of Aaron Rodgers, but exactly where the franchise turns to fill the void is an interesting thought.
There is free agency, which looks to be the easiest way to get a solid option in, and the draft, where at pick No. 7, we aren’t sure New York will be in a position to draft one, unless they trade up.
So that leaves either free agency or quarterbacks on the roster with Jordan Travis and Tyrod Taylor.
But there are two names in free agency that have popped up more and more lately – Justin Fields and Sam Darnold.
And for CBS Sports, a return to New York for Darnold is both odd and an option.
“Yes, this does sound incredibly wild,” CBS Sports writes. “So why would Darnold go back to the team that had him scarred and seeing ghosts? For the simple reason that things are different in New York now. There’s a new regime in place with head coach Aaron Glenn and general manager Darren Mougey.
“They have a legit No. 1 wide receiver in Garrett Wilson and a nice running back tandem in Breece Hall and Braelon Allen. More resources have been invested along the offensive line in recent years and that trend will likely continue. The allure of playing with nice weapons and a fun play caller will lead Darnold to make a Jets homecoming to heal the wounds that ocurred early in his career.”
Darnold is coming off a superb season with the Minnesota Vikings. He led them to a 14-3 record while throwing for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions, and he made the Pro Bowl.
But the history that Darnold has with the Jets might be something he can’t overcome, plus the other thing is the salary he would command/want.
Spotrac.com has a $40 million APY market value and a four-year deal coming his way. So, it isn’t known if the Jets would take that jump, but right now, he seems like a viable option.
There are reports that Minnesota wants to retain him, but it will be an interesting couple of weeks before the new league year begins.
But don’t sleep on a Darnold/ Jets reunion.