With The First Pick
Fansided

Jets must make 2020 prove it year for Darnold as 2021 QB class looms

By Timothy Rodriguez

ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets pauses on the field during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY - DECEMBER 29: Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets pauses on the field during the fourth quarter against the Buffalo Bills at New Era Field on December 29, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. New York defeats Buffalo 13-6. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Jets head coach Adam Gase. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Jets head coach Adam Gase. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images) /

The Jets need a complete rebuild

It must be remembered that Joe Douglas did not hire Adam Gase, did not draft Sam Darnold, and did not make any of those big free agent signings from 2019. A drop in wins from last years’ 7-9 campaign and another poor year from their young quarterback could land the Jets in full scale rebuild mode. New York is already shopping the best player they’ve had in the last half decade. All-pro safety Jamal Adams requested a trade earlier this week. Moving Adams for premium capital would be the best way to kickstart a rebuild.

A rebuild would lead to Gase being fired, meaning the man brought in to “fix” Darnold would be gone. It would be interesting to see if Darnold could survive a second head coach being canned. The next step would be identifying young building blocks. Where are they in New York? Rookie offensive tackle Mekhi Becton has loads of potential, but still hasn’t played a snap. Second year defensive tackle Quinnen Williams would be the only other potential piece.

The next phase would be getting out of some of the big contracts on the roster, freeing up cap space and potentially acquiring more draft capital. The Jets have an out in Bell’s contract after the 2020 season, making him one of the most likely cuts in the NFL. For C.J. Mosley, they have an out after 2021, meaning a rebuild would lead to him being moved later on. Some of the other big contracts in New York are set to expire soon such as Brian Winters after the 2020 season.

The next logical step would be using that new draft pick to select the next potential franchise quarterback. A drop in wins could put the Jets in perfect striking distance for one of the top three. In 2020, three quarterbacks went in the top six picks. Meaning, theoretically, the Jets only need to be about two games worse in 2020 to get their hands on Lawrence, Fields, or Lance.

With a schedule that features the AFC and NFC West divisions, the Indianapolis Colts, and Cleveland Browns, that isn’t out of the question. It is especially possible if Darnold continues to turn the ball over at his present rate. Douglas would surely like to draft his own quarterback.

Home/New York Jets