FLORHAM PARK, NJ – As he prepares for what could be his last game with the New York Jets, Sam Darnold seems to know where the organization can find its long-term answer to the quarterback.
By staying with him.
Despite his worst stats season, Darnold said Thursday that he hopes to continue with the Jets and believes he can become a franchise quarterback.
“I absolutely believe my best days are ahead,” said 23-year-old Darnold, who finished third overall in 2018.
Darnold has fallen short of expectations (13-24 as a starter), fueling speculation that the Jets will change him and choose his replacement for the second pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
He insisted he would not approach Sunday as a possible last game. The Jets (2-13), winners of two in a row, face the New England Patriots (6-9) on the road.
“I’m a Jet now,” Darnold said. “I know we all like to think hypothetically and what’s going on, but now I’m a Jet. I love being here. I love the guys in the locker room. I love going to work here every day.”
Darnold said he has not spoken to CEO Joe Douglas about his future. He has one year left on his rookie contract, with a fifth-year option for 2022 to be exercised in early May.
What complicates its future is the lack of development, in addition to the leading position. With the second pick, the Jets could take on Justin Fields of Ohio State or Zach Wilson of BYU and turn Darnold into a draft pick.
It will depend a lot on who is coaching the team. Adam Gase is expected to be sacked after the match and his replacement will replace the quarterback’s decision.
“I think there are stretches where I haven’t played as well as I should have been, and I’ll be the first to admit it,” Darnold said.
Darnold is the lowest-scoring passer in the NFL (72.3), with just eight touchdown passes and nine interceptions, but he is driving the best career of three straight games without a check.
“That’s where Sam’s growth has come in the last two weeks,” offensive coordinator Dowell Loggains said. “He knows,‘ Put on the cloak. You don’t have to be Superman. “
Gase said the no-check streak is “a big step. I’d love to have more three- and four-touchdown games? Absolutely, but that’s not something we can necessarily control, right?”
Darnold’s decision-making, precision and footwork need work, according to Gase, who said it is unfair to criticize him for offensive struggles. Earlier in the season, Darnold threw the second- and third-string receivers due to injuries.
Gase admitted he did a bad job as a crime coach. At the same time, Darnold acknowledged that he has not helped his coach.
Darnold called it the most challenging year of his football career, right up to high school.
“Yeah, I’d say that,” said Darnold, who also faced a torn throwing shoulder that left him out for four games. “I had a couple of tough seasons in high school, but it’s definitely been a tough season.”