Jets GM Joe Douglas: Our stance on Darnold has not changed

New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Jets GM Joe Douglas: Our stance on Sam Darnold has not changed

By Erin Walsh | Last updated 3/3/21

After Adam Gase was fired by the New York Jets in January, general manager Joe Douglas said he believed quarterback Sam Darnold had a bright future in the NFL despite a disappointing 2020 campaign.

During a Wednesday press conference, Douglas echoed those thoughts even though the Jets have not made any decisions about who will be the team's starting quarterback in 2021 under new head coach Robert Saleh.

Jets GM Joe Douglas said the team is still investigating their QB options, but "With Sam (Darnold) our stance on Sam hasn’t changed. He’s an extremely talented player. Very smart, very tough. We have no doubt he’s going to achieve his outstanding potential."
— Ralph Vacchiano (@RVacchianoSNY) March 3, 2021

The Jets have been linked to Deshaun Watson this offseason, even though the Houston Texans refuse to trade him. They've also been linked to top quarterbacks in the draft, such as Zach Wilson and Justin Fields.

It seems more likely the Jets hold onto the second-overall pick, which could mean a quarterback competition in training camp.

Darnold went 2-10 in 2020, completing 59.6% of his passes for 2,208 yards and nine touchdowns against 11 interceptions. If he wants to keep his starting job, he'll likely have to show some improvement once training camp opens.

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