It seems more and more that Sam Darnold’s future is not with the New York Jets.
Tony Pauline of the Pro Football Network reports, “Sources have told me that they think it is a real possibility that Indianapolis Colts could end Darnold. However, the 49ers will also be in the mix. “
Pauline also reports that the latest buzz “is more the result of teams asking about Darnold, rather than the Jets actively buying their choice of the first round of 2018”
The Colts are an interesting team to watch. They have a ton of cap space and need a new defender after Philip Rivers retires. In addition, Eagles legend Ron Jaworski reports that the Colts offered the Eagles – at least – two draft options for quarterback Carson Wentz.
As for the Jets, here are the options for general manager Joe Douglas:
1. Keep Darnold and use overall choice # 2 in the NFL’s 2021 Draft to build around the QB, with Oregon’s offensive attack Penei Sewell and Alabama’s Heisman Trophy winning wide receiver DeVonta Smith as the main options.
2. Hold Darnold and negotiate choice # 2 to move down the draft board and stock selections.
3. Swap Darnold and use choice # 2 on a quarterback, with BYU’s Justin Fields of Ohio and BYU’s Zach Wilson as the best options (assuming the Jacksonville Jaguars select Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence as # 1).
4. Swap for the disgruntled Houston Texans quarterback, Deshaun Watson, and include Darnold in the deal.
5. Switch to Watson and find a side deal for Darnold.
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