When Sam Darnold was drafted in 2018, the New York Jets thought they had their quarterback of the future.
Darnold had an underwhelming 2020 season, throwing just nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 games.
Now, some experts are reporting that the Jets are uncertain if Darnold will be a part of their future plans. After all, the Jets can take a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Should Darnold get traded, BetOnline has released odds as to his most likely destinations.
Where will Sam Darnold Play Next Season?
Odds via BetOnline as of Wednesday, February 10
- Indianapolis Colts +300
- Houston Texans +350
- Carolina Panthers +600
- Washington Football Team +600
- Chicago Bears +700
- San Fransisco 49ers +700
- Denver Broncos +1000
- Miami Dolphins +1000
- New England Patriots +1000
- Las Vegas Raiders +1200
- Pittsburgh Steelers +1600
- Seattle Seahawks +1600
- Philadelphia Eagles +2500
Indianapolis Colts +300
The Colts are hunting for a starting quarterback ever since Philip Rivers retired in January.
They may not bring back Jacoby Brissett, since they know what he is by now, and rookie Jacob Eason is unproven.
The Colts been in the conversation for most of these quarterback rumors, from Carson Wentz to Aaron Rodgers. However, the price for these quarterbacks may be too high for GM Chris Ballard.
Darnold would be a cheaper option. At 23 years old, he’s young enough for head coach Frank Reich to help him reach his true potential.
Houston Texans +350
The Texans are in a position where they already have a superstar quarterback in Deshaun Watson, but he also wants to leave due to frustrations with the team.
Rumor has it that Watson may even sit out of parts of the 2021 season if he doesn’t get traded.
The Jets have also been rumored as a landing spot for Watson, so if the two teams did make a trade, it’d make sense to send Darnold back the other way. He’s also s young enough to fit the Texans rebuild if they go that route.
Carolina Panthers/Washington Football Team +600
It feels like the Panthers are a part of all of these rumors too.
Teddy Bridgewater played decently for them last season, but the Panthers want a difference-maker and might think that Darnold’s that guy.
The team doesn’t want to waste Christian McCaffrey’s best years, so it’s best to win as soon as possible. Plus Darnold would be able to play with WR Robby Anderson again, who he played with on the Jets.
Meanwhile, the Washington Football Team will be looking to add a quarterback if Alex Smith chooses to retire sometime soon.
Even if he doesn’t retire, it would be a good idea to bring Darnold onto a roster where Smith can mentor him.
They also have an estimated $32 million in cap space that they could use to protect Darnold, who’s been sacked 98 times in 38 games.
Chicago Bears/San Francisco 49ers +700
You probably won’t stop seeing the Bears and 49ers popping up as rumored destinations for quarterbacks until a trade’s made.
For the Bears, it’s clear that Mitchell Trubisky is not the answer, nor is Nick Foles. Would Darnold be that much of an upgrade over Trubisky? Only time will tell, but it looks like Darnold is more of a backup plan for the Bears if they can’t get someone else.
Meanwhile, 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan is reportedly a big fan of Darnold’s and would love to have him on the roster, according to NFL sources.
The team would have to cut or trade Jimmy Garoppolo, but it might be worth it if Shanahan is 100 percent certain that Darnold’s his guy.
