New York Jets rumors have picked up big time in recent days as it relates to a potential Sam Darnold trade. The team is selecting No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft and has been linked to Houston Texans star signal caller Deshaun Watson in trade talks.
There’s certainly some interest in the 23-year-old Darnold despite some major consistency issues during his three-year tenure with the Jets.
However, New York is seemingly looking to drum up said interest in order to land a first-round pick in exchange for the quarterback. That’s highly unlikely to happen.
Read More: 4 likeliest Sam Darnold trade scenarios
New York Jets to land second or third-round pick in Sam Darnold trade
“Rival executives say the Jets are working hard to drum up interest in Darnold, with the hopes of getting a first-round pick,” The Athletic reported on Monday. “That might be a little rich, and some league sources think getting a second- or third-rounder for Darnold is more realistic.”
That would be a low price for a team to pay for a young quarterback who has displayed flashes of potential since the Jets made him the No. 3 overall pick back in 2018.
Among those bandied about as a potential suitor, the San Francisco 49ers keep popping up as a landing spot in a Sam Darnold trade. Head coach Kyle Shanahan loved him coming out of USC back in 2018.
San Francisco is also looking to upgrade from Jimmy Garoppolo, who could potentially be headed back to the New England Patriots. The 49ers pick 43rd overall in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. They also have a compensatory third-round pick after defensive coordinator Robert Saleh was hired to be the Jets’ next head coach.
The Saleh note is interesting in that the Jets and 49ers now have a built-in relationship when it comes to the decision makers within each organization.
Other options for Darnold include the Denver Broncos, Carolina Panthers and Washington Football Team, among several other organizations.
Read More: Blockbuster NFL trades that could happen after Matthew Stafford deal
New York Jets rumors: What will the quarterback room look like in 2021?
Short of New York pulling off a blockbuster Deshaun Watson trade, it’s highly likely that the team will be rolling with either Zach Wilson (BYU) or Justin Fields (Ohio State). If the Jets trade Darnold, that second pick in April will be used on a quarterback.
However, there’s seemingly some truth to the Watson rumors. New York joins the division rival Miami Dolphins in being able to offer up the best package for the NFL’s reigning passing champion.
That would include the No. 2 pick and New York’s first rounder, acquired in the Jamal Adams trade from the Seattle Seahawks (23rd overall), as well as multiple other assets.
Whether it’s something the rebuilding Jets would be willing to offer up remains to be seen. What we do know is that Sam Darnold appears to be a goner after just three seasons in the Big Apple.
It will be interesting to see what general manager Joe Douglas has up his sleeve in New York this offseason. The Jets are looking to build this whole thing up after the disastrous Adam Gase tenure. That will more than likely start at quarterback.
Click below for more New York Jets rumors.
Related: If you’re a fan of the Jets, check out #NYJets rumors, rankings, and news here.