Possible Sam Darnold-Jets Reunion in Free Agency Gains Traction
In true New York Jets fashion, the 2024 NFL season is proving to be a showcase of former Jets players finding success elsewhere. Among these, Sam Darnold, the 2018 No. 3 overall pick, has become a focal point of intrigue. The quarterback, currently with the Minnesota Vikings, is having what could be described as a career-defining season. Stepping in as the replacement for an injured J.J. McCarthy while Aaron Rodgers struggled with his own health issues, Darnold has made a significant impact. After spending several seasons with the Jets, Panthers, and 49ers, Darnold has found new life in Minnesota, leading the Vikings to an impressive 11-2 record and throwing 28 touchdown passes.
However, the future in Minnesota might not be as clear-cut for Darnold. Once McCarthy returns to health, the Vikings may no longer have a need for Darnold, potentially leaving him as a free agent. This is likely to spark a bidding war for his services, particularly as the quarterback market is expected to be competitive in 2025.
The Jets’ Potential Interest in Darnold
Although Darnold’s prior stint with the Jets was largely seen as a failure, there are some analysts who believe a reunion could be beneficial for both parties. Bill Barnwell of ESPN is among those suggesting that the Jets should consider signing Darnold in free agency. Barnwell points to the fact that the Jets could find themselves needing a reliable stopgap quarterback, especially given the weak 2025 draft class for quarterbacks. While Darnold’s past struggles in New York have certainly raised doubts, the possibility of him returning to the franchise that once drafted him remains intriguing.
Darnold’s time with the Jets was marred by poor performances and a lack of support, both from his coaching staff and the surrounding roster. Under former head coach Adam Gase, Darnold often struggled with a limited supporting cast that featured pass-catchers like Jamison Crowder and Breshad Perriman. With no solid offensive scheme in place, it’s not surprising that his development faltered. While it’s clear Darnold’s initial years in New York didn’t live up to expectations, it’s also possible that his struggles there were exacerbated by factors beyond his control.
Darnold’s Resurgence with Minnesota
While his time in New York didn’t pan out, Darnold has shown significant improvement during his current stint with the Vikings. Much of this can be attributed to the change in environment. In Minnesota, Darnold has been working under head coach Kevin O’Connell, a respected offensive mind, and is surrounded by one of the most talented groups of offensive weapons in the league. With star wide receivers Justin Jefferson and Jordan Addison, as well as tight end T.J. Hockenson, Darnold has the kind of supporting cast he never had in his previous stops. Additionally, the Vikings’ solid offensive line has given him the stability he needs to succeed, a stark contrast to the pressure he faced during his earlier years in the league.
It’s important to note that while Darnold has looked impressive in Minnesota, his performance may not be entirely indicative of his true ability. The system in place and the caliber of players around him have certainly elevated his game. Whether Darnold would be able to replicate this success elsewhere, especially with a team like the Jets, is still uncertain. However, his performance this season has certainly piqued the interest of NFL teams.
A Weak Quarterback Draft Class Could Push Jets Toward Free Agency
The Jets’ situation heading into the 2025 offseason is uncertain, especially at the quarterback position. Despite the team’s strong roster and a defense that is among the best in the league, the Jets’ quarterback woes have been a significant hindrance to their success. With players like Aaron Rodgers and Zach Wilson currently on the roster, the team’s future under center is still very much up in the air.
The upcoming draft class for quarterbacks is widely regarded as underwhelming, with few prospects offering the kind of high-end talent the Jets would need to compete for a playoff spot. As a result, the team could be forced to look for a veteran quarterback to bridge the gap until they can secure a long-term solution. This is where Darnold could come into play.
Given the uncertain quarterback market, Darnold could be a more attractive option than other available veterans. Players like Justin Fields and Derek Carr may also be on the market, but Darnold’s age, production, and potential upside could make him a more appealing choice for the Jets. At 27 years old, Darnold is still young enough to warrant a long-term investment, but he also offers the experience that the Jets may need to stabilize the quarterback position in the short term.
The Case for Darnold as a Stopgap Option
One of the most compelling reasons for the Jets to consider bringing Darnold back is the need for a stopgap quarterback. The Jets’ roster is arguably ready to compete now, especially with their strong defense and talented skill players like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall. What the team needs is a quarterback who can manage games effectively, avoid costly mistakes, and provide a steady presence under center.
Darnold, while never reaching the heights expected of him when he was drafted, has developed into a competent quarterback who can perform at a high level in the right system. If the Jets are unable to find a long-term solution at quarterback in 2025, Darnold could serve as a temporary answer, giving the team the stability they need while they continue to build their roster.
Is Darnold Really the Answer?
Despite the optimism surrounding a potential Jets reunion, there are still many questions about Darnold’s ability to lead the team back to success. His previous time in New York left many fans and analysts skeptical, and while his success in Minnesota is encouraging, it’s unclear whether he would be able to replicate that success on a new team with a different system.
Ultimately, the decision to bring Darnold back to the Jets will depend on how the team views its quarterback situation. If the Jets are unable to land a top-tier prospect in the 2025 draft, or if they feel that the veteran market is lacking, Darnold could be a viable option to help bridge the gap. However, the Jets may also decide to continue their search for a franchise quarterback and pass on the idea of re-signing Darnold.
In the ever-changing world of the NFL, it’s not unusual for players to return to their former teams. Whether or not Darnold will make a surprise return to Florham Park remains to be seen, but the idea of a reunion is becoming more plausible with each passing week of the 2024 season. For Jets fans, the possibility of seeing Darnold back in green and white may seem like a long shot, but it’s a scenario that cannot be entirely ruled out.
Conclusion
The potential for Sam Darnold to reunite with the New York Jets in free agency is an intriguing possibility. While his earlier years in New York were largely disappointing, his recent success with the Minnesota Vikings has reignited the conversation about his potential as a starting quarterback. With a weak quarterback draft class and a roster ready to compete, the Jets may look to Darnold as a stopgap solution for their quarterback woes. Whether or not the Jets ultimately pursue this option will depend on how they view their long-term quarterback needs, but for now, the idea of a Darnold-Jets reunion is gaining more traction as the 2024 season progresses.
