Trading for Jets QB Sam Darnold will take second-, fifth-round picks?
If the New York Jets remain winless following "Monday Night Football" against the New England Patriots, they'll be the undoubted favorite to receive the first overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. If they get so lucky, they'll be able to draft Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence, which would likely mean Sam Darnold would be on his way out of the Meadowlands.
Adam Schefter revealed during ESPN's pregame show on Monday that any team trading for Darnold would have to be willing to part ways with a second- and fifth-round pick, per 98.5 The Sports Hub's Alex Barth.
Schefter also reported last month that NFL executives don't believe Darnold would net the Jets a first-round selection. One executive actually said the passer wouldn't even get the Jets a second-round pick unless he finishes the 2020 campaign on a high note.
Impressing to end the year seems like a long shot for Darnold at this point. The former third overall pick is missing his third game of the season on Monday due to a shoulder injury, and he could miss even more time beyond that.
Darnold is no stranger to missing games. As a rookie in 2018, he missed three games with a sprained foot. He also missed time last season due to mononucleosis.
Despite the missed time, Darnold's career in New York has been pretty underwhelming. The Jets had hoped he'd bring success back to the organization, but he's done anything but that. In 32 career games, the 23-year-old has completed just 59.7% of his passes for 6,934 yards and 39 touchdowns against 34 interceptions.
Still, a quarterback-needy team could take a chance on Darnold and make a trade for the California native. Schefter notes that the Indianapolis Colts, Chicago Bears and New Orleans Saints could be interested in adding him during the offseason.
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