New York Jets

Wide receiver Corey Davis, who signed with the New York Jets as a free agent, is under the impression that Sam Darnold will be his quarterback heading into the 2021 season, even though the Jets have plenty of avenues to change that if they decide to this offseason.

The Jets are reportedly listening to trade offers for Darnold, according to ESPN's Rich Cimini, and they are also in a position to select his replacement with the No. 2 pick in the upcoming NFL draft. 

Darnold, the Jets' No. 3 pick out of USC in 2018, had the league's worst passer rating (72.7) in 2020. He posted a career-low 2,208 yards and nine touchdowns with a 59.6 completion percentage. 

Davis, who spent his first four seasons with the Tennessee Titans, signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal with the Jets, fresh off a career year in which he posted 65 catches for 984 yards—both second on the team behind A.J. Brown. 

"I've heard a few things just talking to guys on the team," Davis said, per Cimini. "I'm looking forward to playing with him. He's a competitor. Obviously, we can both learn from each other. He's young, and we're both growing. We can grow together."

As far as trading Darnold, there may be fewer potential suitors now as teams that were looking to fill a hole at quarterback have found a solution elsewhere. The Chicago Bears decided to go with Andy Dalton, and Washington signed former Miami Dolphins starter Ryan Fitzpatrick. 

The Jets' first-round pick gives them a plethora of options, with BYU's Zach Wilson, Ohio State's Justin Fields, North Dakota State's Trey Lance and Alabama's Mac Jones all possible replacements, and that's assuming the Jacksonville Jaguars go with Clemson star Trevor Lawrence at No. 1 as expected. 

But if they're committed to Darnold, they could also trade that pick. They'll have plenty of opportunity to secure top talent since they also hold the Nos. 23 and 34 selections in the first two rounds.

We're a week into the NFL's free-agency period, and the musical chairs at the quarterback position are filling up. The Washington Football Team signed Ryan Fitzpatrick to be its 2021 starter. Ditto for the Chicago Bears with Andy Dalton.

Several veterans could still be on the move before the 2021 draft. The Raiders will reportedly trade or release Marcus Mariota if the No. 2 overall pick in 2015 doesn't take a pay cut. Trade speculation continues to swirl around a pair of superstars in Deshaun Watson of the Houston Texans and Russell Wilson of the Seattle Seahawks.

But maybe the most interesting quarterback quandary is in the Big Apple. The New York Jets have a massive decision to make regarding the future of the young signal-caller they traded up to draft third overall in 2018.

Do the Jets give Sam Darnold one more shot as the team's starter, or do they send him packing and either acquire a veteran option or draft the quarterback of the future with the second pick in this year's draft?

One thing is for sure: Darnold's first three seasons haven't gone according to plan. The former USC standout showed some promise in 2019, completing 61.9 percent of his passes for 3,024 yards and 19 touchdowns while winning seven of 13 starts.

But Darnold regressed badly last season. His completion percentage dropped below 60. He managed nine touchdown passes against 11 interceptions, posted a passer rating of 72.7 and was a miserable 2-10 as the starter.

That terrible season played a major part in the Jets' going 2-14 and landing the second pick. That, in turn, has led most folks to presume Darnold's days in New York are numbered. That he'll be traded at some point. That the Jets will use the No. 2 pick either in a trade or on one of this year's top prospects at the position.

But it's not necessarily a binary decision. The team could go in numerous directions at quarterback over the next several weeks, some more likely (and sensible) than others.

The long-shot move is including Darnold and the second overall pick in a megadeal that would land New York a star quarterback like Watson or Wilson. As Aaron Wilson reported for the Houston Chronicle, the Jets have interest in Watson, who has requested to be traded by the Texans.

Wilson hasn't (yet) made the same request, but his agent offered up a list of teams to ESPN's Adam Schefter that the 32-year-old might waive his no-trade clause for.

At least one former NFL GM thinks having a veteran quarterback in Darnold and a top-three pick in the 2021 draft positions the Jets as a legitimate trade partner for Wilson.

But pulling off a whopper of a trade is unlikely and/or unwise for a few reasons. While the talent of those quarterbacks is equal parts impressive and undeniable, the cost involved in acquiring either would be staggering, both in terms of their salary and the draft capital necessary.

We're talking Darnold. The second overall pick in 2021. New York's first-rounder in 2022. And then some. Never mind the annual salary well north of $30 million.

Also, the Jets were not listed among the four teams (Chicago, Dallas, Las Vegas and New Orleans) Wilson would waive his no-trade clause for. Given New York's struggles in recent years, changing his mind would likely be a tough sell.

In the last week, 14 women have filed lawsuits alleging Watson sexually assaulted or committed sexual misconduct against them, which supersedes any trade rumors and lowers the possibility that a deal materializes for the fifth-year pro.

Landing one of these stars might make the fanbase happy (at least in the short term), but it probably isn't happening.

If a trade for Watson or Wilson is the scenario fans would most like to see, the next one would go over like a lead feather. On WFAN Sports Radio in February, former NFL general manager Michael Lombardi said he believed New York's best course of action might be building around the quarterback it has rather than replacing him (h/t Mike Rosenstein of NJ.com):

"I think what you do is you put Sam in this draft, and ask yourself: is Sam is better than Justin Fields or Zach Wilson? He's not newer, but is he better? Because newer doesn't mean it solves the problem. ... Would they be better off holding Sam and drafting the tackle out of Oregon (Penei Sewell), and having two dominant tackles to determine how they run and pass protect? That makes a big difference – just ask Kansas City. One thing we learned from the Super Bowl is that it doesn't matter how great your quarterback is, or how great your wide receivers are; if you can't block, it doesn't matter, and if you can't pass protect, you can't get the ball off."

The idea has merit—provided you don't see a significant gap in talent between Darnold and this year's crop of signal-callers (outside of Clemson's Trevor Lawrence, who everyone believes will be selected first overall by the Jacksonville Jaguars). The Jets could have their choice of any non-quarterback in the class. Or swing a draft-day move with a QB-needy team like the Carolina Panthers or Denver Broncos that could net the team an extra first-rounder in next year's draft.

The Jets have also been active in adding passing-game weapons like wide receivers Corey Davis and Keelan Cole in free agency, and new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur brings Kyle Shanahan's quarterback-friendly scheme. In theory, Darnold would be set up better than in any season of his career.

Then there's the scenario most folks expect to happen: trading Darnold and drafting a quarterback at No. 2. BYU's Zach Wilson had a phenomenal 2020 season in which he passed for almost 3,700 yards with 33 touchdowns and three interceptions. Justin Fields of Ohio State threw for over 5,300 yards in two seasons as a Buckeye with 63 scores and nine picks. Both prospects have the potential to be excellent NFL starters.

The Jets could also draft a quarterback and keep Darnold for one more year as an insurance policy of sorts. They have the cap space to do it. But the general consensus is that if the Jets decide a QB is the pick at No. 2, Darnold is a goner.

The list of teams that are looking to add a quarterback isn't as long as it was, but some potential partners make sense. The Broncos are exploring options to either compete with or replace Drew Lock. The Carolina Panthers could be looking to improve under center after Teddy Bridgewater's lackluster 2020 campaign. If the Texans agree to deal Watson, the team will need a new starter under center.

Darnold won't land a bounty of picks after three so-so (at best) seasons, but he is 23 years old and was a top-five draft pick for a reason. If he's made available, there will be interest.

A Jets team that has holes on both sides of the ball can use all the draft capital it can get.

That last scenario is both the most likely and probably the best case for both player and team. Darnold's struggles can't be blamed entirely on him—his surrounding cast has hardly put him in the best position to succeed. But even with a new staff in New York and (presumably) a better team around him in 2021, it's difficult to envision a scenario where Darnold experiences a drastic reversal in fortune. Not with the Jets.

Perhaps a change of scenery will do him some good.

As Ralph Vacchiano reported for SNY, it's believed general manager Joe Douglas hasn't made a decision on which direction the Jets will go at quarterback. The call will define Douglas' tenure as GM and the Jets as a team for the next several years. There are cases to be made for each course of action.

We may not know what Douglas and the Jets will do, but the dilemma will dominate coverage of the team until Douglas makes the call.

No pressure.

The New York Jets reportedly agreed to a two-year, $17 million contract with defensive tackle Sheldon Rankins on Sunday, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. 

Tom Pelissero of NFL Network added that the Cincinnati Bengals "also made a hard run" at the former New Orleans Saints interior lineman. 

Rankins, 26, was a first-round pick by the New Orleans Saints in 2016 and looked poised to become one of the better interior defensive linemen in football after posting eight sacks in 2018. But an Achilles tear and other injuries limited him to just 22 games the past two seasons, costing him a starting job in New Orleans. 

A healthy Rankins back in top form, however, would give the Jets a dynamic interior duo alongside Quinnen Williams. 

The Jets have been busy this offseason, adding upgrades to the defense via free agency:

• Defensive back Lamarcus Joyner: One year, $3 million
• Middle linebacker Jarrad Davis: One year, $5.5 million
• Defensive end Carl Lawson: Three years, $45 million
• Cornerback and special teamer Justin Hardee: Three years, $6.8 million

The trio of a healthy Rankins, Williams and Lawson could be a real terror for opposing teams if they hit their collective potential. That would be huge for a Jets team that gave up 275.6 passing yards per game (28th in the NFL) last year, posted 31 sacks (tied 20th) and had just 19 takeaways (tied 22nd). 

The ability to generate pressure with just the front four remains wildly valuable in the modern, pass-heavy NFL. The Jets are putting the pieces in place to do just that in 2021.    

C.J. Mosley's days for the New York Jets may be numbered.

According to ESPN's Rich Cimini: "The addition of linebacker Jarrad Davis has fueled speculation about Mosley, whose roster spot appears shaky. Yes, the Jets are open to trading him, a source said, but that will be difficult because he's owed $14 million in guarantees over the next two seasons."

Mosley, 28, spent his first five seasons with the Baltimore Ravens and was a four-time Pro Bowler, registering 100 or more tackles in four campaigns. He signed a five-year, $85 million deal ahead of the 2019 season with the Jets, with major expectations that he would anchor the defense for years to come.

That hasn't materialized. He opted out of the 2020 campaign amid the COVID-19 pandemic and appeared in just two games in 2019 because groin and core muscle injuries, posting nine tackles, an interception, a defensive touchdown and a fumble recovery. 

Not exactly the return the Jets were hoping for when they signed him to such a lucrative deal. 

And with the team signing Jarrad Davis this offseason, it's unclear if Mosley will have a role going forward. The Jets will be running a 4-3 scheme, with both Davis and Mosley best served as a middle linebacker. 

It's possible the Jets could experiment with Davis as a "Will," or weak-side linebacker, while keeping Mosley in the middle. But it would be both a risky and expensive gamble after the team signed Davis to a one-year, $5.5 million deal. That would leave a lot of cap space tied to the linebacker position. 

So a trade remains a logical potential outcome, ending a Mosley tenure in New York that never really got off the ground.   

Marcus Maye's career with the New York Jets will continue, for at least one more season. 

Maye, who was drafted by the team in the second round in 2017 and has played all 16 games in three of his four seasons, officially signed the $10.6 million franchise tag Saturday, his agent confirmed to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.

The move was not unexpected, as ESPN's Adam Schefter reported in March that the team had tagged him.

Jets general manager Joe Douglas said in his end-of-season press conference in January that working out a new contract for the 28-year-old was "one of the priorities of our offseason."

Even after a miserable 2020 season in which the Jets went 2-14, Maye spoke fondly of his time in New York. 

"Just being here four years, stepping in day one, I've loved this place," he said. "I've enjoyed the people here, the teammates. Even though there have been a lot of changes throughout my years here, I've always been the same person, I've always shown up to work excited and ready to go try to win a game for the Jets."

Despite a lack of team success, the Florida product had a career year in 2020 and was named the team's MVP. He had 11 passes defended, two interceptions, two forced fumbles and a fumble recovery to go with 88 combined tackles (four for loss) and two quarterback hits. In his third season as a 16-game starter, Maye posted career highs in every category.

His return is a major boost for a Jets team that has a long way to go in 2021. 

New York Jets safety Marcus Maye has signed his franchise tender for the 2021 season. 

Maye's agent, Erik Burkhardt, told NFL Network's Mike Garafolo his client has accepted the one-year deal that will pay him $10.6 million next season. 

Garafolo added that Maye could still sign a long-term extension with the Jets before the July 15 deadline. 

The Jets announced on March 9 they used their franchise tag on Maye, tying him to the organization for at least one more season and preventing him from becoming an unrestricted free agent. 

While the Jets still have four months to get a long-term deal done, there are indications from Maye's camp that previous negotiations haven't been going well. 

Burkhardt had this response to ESPN's Field Yates on March 2 regarding the amount of cap space that New York had and how it planned to use it:

Burkhardt's tweet referenced New York's decision to trade Jamal Adams to the Seattle Seahawks in July after the two sides failed to reach agreement on a long-term contract. 

Maye, who was part of the Jets' 2017 draft class with Adams, has started all 54 games he's played over the past four seasons. The 28-year-old set a career-highs with 88 combined tackles, four tackles for loss and two sacks in 2020. 

The New York Jets reportedly added to their receiving corps Thursday, signing wideout Keelan Cole to a one-year, $5.5 million deal, per Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network. 

The Jets already made a splashy signing at the position, adding Corey Davis on Thursday as well. Per ESPN's Rich Cimini, Davis signed a three-year, $37.5 million deal. 

Those two pacts likely end the rumors that the team was pursuing JuJu Smith-Schuster:

Cole, 27, had a solid 2020 season for the Jacksonville Jaguars, registering 55 catches for 642 yards and five touchdowns. But with players like Laviska Shenault Jr. and DJ Chark Jr. already on the roster, and Marvin Jones Jr. and Phillip Dorsett added in free agency, Cole became expendable. 

Both he and Davis will be significant upgrades for a Jets offense that was generally devoid of impactful playmakers last season. The team's top receiver last year was Jamison Crowder (59 receptions for 699 yards and six touchdowns), a solid slot receiver but not the sort of player you build a passing game around. 

It's fair to argue that Davis and Cole aren't that type of player either, though the 26-year-old Davis appears to have some untapped potential. But they will give the Jets more options in the passing game, along with any young players the team potentially drafts at the position. 

The bigger question for New York's offense, of course, is who will throw the ball to them next year. Sam Darnold is the incumbent, but he hasn't lived up to the hype in his three-year career. He was hardly the only problem for the 2-14 Jets last year, but he has yet to look like a long-term solution either. 

So plenty of uncertainties remain regarding the Jets' offseason. Davis and Cole have helped to address one major need, however. 

The New York Jets are reportedly "having conversations" with free-agent wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster, who spent the past four years with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported Thursday the interest in Smith-Schuster shows the Jets "may not be done adding playmakers" despite signing former Tennessee Titans wideout Corey Davis to a three-year, $37.5 million deal.

New York could be exploring whether it could add Smith-Schuster, a 2018 Pro Bowl selection, while still saving money. The release of Jamison Crowder before the final season of his three-year, $28.5 million contract would create $10.4 million in cap space for 2021.

The Jets' interest in the former Steelers standout otherwise wouldn't make much sense since it would bury fellow receiver Denzel Mims, the team's 2020 second-round pick, on the depth chart.

Smith-Schuster recorded 97 catches for 831 yards and a career-high nine touchdowns for Pittsburgh last season. He tallied career bests in receptions (111) and receiving yards (1,426) in 2018.

The Jets' passing game would feature far more upside next season if they have big-play weapons Davis and Mims on the outside with Smith-Schuster in the slot and Chris Herndon at the tight end.

It's the type of pass-catching group quarterback Sam Darnold hasn't benefited from during the three years since the franchise selected him with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft. Whether he's still the team's starter to open 2021 is uncertain since it owns the second selection in this year's draft.

That said, the Jets figure to face ample competition for Smith-Schuster in free agency. That includes the Steelers, who "haven't closed the door" on a reunion with the 24-year-old USC product, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

New York does face pressure to continue to upgrade its roster to keep pace in the increasingly competitive AFC East.

The Buffalo Bills brought back most of the players from last season's division-winning squad, and the New England Patriots have made several key signings. The Miami Dolphins are also a threat after just missing the playoffs with a 10-6 record in 2020.

It creates an uphill battle as the Jets try to make a quick turnaround after a 2-14 season, but a couple more marquee signings combined with the top-five pick would help the cause.

The Washington Football Team went out and got Ryan Fitzpatrick, according to Adam Schefter. The Chicago Bears went out and got Andy Dalton, per Schefter. And, just like that, the once-enticing market for Sam Darnold has begun evaporating.

Darnold, now 23 years old, has spent three seasons having his future with the New York Jets questioned. With a new head coach, Robert Saleh, in town, those questions have only amplified. Originally, the market was expected to be a large one, as Dov Kleiman reported eight NFL teams had reached out to New York inquiring about the former No. 3 pick.

Two days later, two of the shakier QB rooms in Washington and Chicago went elsewhere and brought in veterans. And, for Jets fans still hoping Washington might still be in the running for the pedigree QB, ESPN's Dianna Russini offered up a disheartening report.

After the Bears and Washington, the Denver Broncos have been another option. Drew Lock's future as the team's signal-caller is uncertain and many have noted that Broncos president John Elway has had a rumored interest in Darnold dating back to 2018. 

Still, it appears that negotiations between Denver and New York are at an impasse. A recently rumored trade, Tim Patrick and a second-rounder for Darnold, has been shut down by Broncos reporter Benjamin Allbright.

With QB-needy teams looking to veterans and the Broncos seemingly hoping for a discount, Darnold may be Saleh's quarterback for 2021. The young signal-caller is 13-25 on his career, with no thanks to an inconsistent environment, but he can look to turn things around with former Tennessee Titan Corey Davis joining the roster, per Connor Hughes of The Athletic.

Additionally, many hope that Saleh can bring over some semblance of the organizational culture that has made the San Francisco 49ers such a successful, consistent franchise. Darnold's contract expires after this season, with New York holding a club option for 2022. If the market is this dry right now, the Jets may need to stick with it and see if their 2018 pick can start turning things around.