ESPN analyst: Jets could stick with Darnold over drafting QB

Could the New York Jets roll with quarterback Sam Darnold next season? Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

ESPN analyst: Jets could stick with Sam Darnold over drafting quarterback

By Blake Harper | Last updated 12/22/20

The New York Jets can't even lose right, as they managed to give up the No. 1 pick in next year's draft by beating the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday. But they are still in line to pick second and assuming the Jacksonville Jaguars hold onto the first pick and take Trevor Lawrence, will the Jets take Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields or BYU's Zach Wilson at no. 2?

ESPN's Dan Graziano says it's certainly possible but, depending on the new coach, there is a chance they stick with Sam Darnold and give him a chance to prove himself in the post-Gase era.

"Darnold is six months younger than Joe Burrow," Graziano said on "Get Up." Tuesday. "It's not crazy to think that there's growth potential there and that having two first-round picks and five picks in the first 99 could help them build something around him."

If the Jets end up with the No. 2 pick, should they draft Justin Fields? Or keep Sam Darnold?@DanGrazianoESPN: "Darnold is six months younger than Joe Burrow! It's not crazy to think that there's growth potential there." pic.twitter.com/Ce2DwtzFU8
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) December 22, 2020

At just 23, Darnold could certainly develop into a talented starter for the Jets, but given the mess that the entire franchise has experienced over the last few years, it may be best for both sides to get a fresh start. If the team does end up taking a quarterback as they are expected to, they could try to trade Darnold elsewhere to get some value for him rather than just having him play out the rest of his contract as a backup.

But as Graziano noted, it will mostly depend on who the Jets hire as their next head coach and if that person believes that they can build around Darnold or need to move on.

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