Sam Darnold A No-Show at Jets Camp over Contract

Just when you thought it was safe to come out and play football, the Same Ole Jets rear their ugly heads. 

It might be only one day of training camp, but the Jets are still without their rookie quarterback Sam Darnold who is holding out as both the Jets and his agent iron out contract details. 

This is incredibly disappointing for New York. The Jets have been propped up as one of the league's most improved teams, with many so-called pundits and talking heads saying they won the draft when they drafted Darnold third overall. 

Last time I checked championships were not won on draft day. 

Darnold's holdout only hurts a young player who needs to get on the field to receive important reps with the first team. Now he is a full day or more behind, and there is no sign (at least right now at 4:54 p.m. on a Friday) that this hold out will end. 

What's most frustrating is that most rookie deals are already in place thanks to the CBA. He would receive a 4-year deal worth $30.2 million in guaranteed money, including a $20 million roster bonus. Rich Cimini of ESPN NY reports that the two sides are split on over offset language. 

Cimini reported that "Darnold's agent is seeking a contract with no offsets, which would allow him to receive his Jets salary and get paid by another team if the Jets cut him. It's called double-dipping." 

As George Constanza was told in Seinfield, you can't double-dip the chip! 

This is insane. Why would Darnold's agent be that worried about his client getting cut by the Jets in four years. If the kid goes Free Agent and wants to play elsewhere he can sign a mega contract elsewhere. It makes no sense! 

The Jets and Darnold's party had more than enough time to iron out a contract well in advance of training camp. In fact, this deal should have been done a month ago at the very least. 

Until Darnold shows up for camp, the Jets are a two man band at quarterback as incumbent Josh McCown will battle Teddy Bridgewater for the starting job. The longer Darnold holds out, the easier it will be for Bowles to make his decision (if he hasn't already) between the two veteran quarterbacks. 

Oh, and in case you Jets fans are wondering, if Darnold were to hold out for an entire year (I know worst case scenario, but that is what life of a Jets fan is all about), he could re-declare for the draft in 2019. Hopefully this doesn't get that insane and the Jets can get Darnold in camp in the next couple of days.