One of the most eye-opening developments of the early training camp season is that New York Jets first-round rookie Sam Darnold remains unsigned.
There has been some solid reporting on why this is the case by a few Jets beat writers on Sunday. ESPN’s Rich Cimini reported that, while offset language is one issue, the real sticking point has to do with a clause in which the Jets want to void any guaranteed money if Darnold were to be disciplined by the league.
Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News corroborated that, and he added that the entire situation has Darnold very upset.
(Part 4): I'm told that Sam Darnold is pissed about this. (Or as pissed as a really good kid can get).
I don't believe that the Darnolds will allow this holdout to continue much longer.
And good for them.
— Manish Mehta (@MMehtaSports) July 29, 2018
It’s understandable that Darnold wants this entire situation resolved so he can join his teammates in camp. Jets offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates noted recently that Darnold has a real shot to start in his rookie campaign, but every day he misses this summer makes that goal more and more unlikely.