The market for Jets quarterback Sam Darnold continues to shrink. According to multiple reports, starting with ESPN's Dianna Russini and NFL Network's Kim Jones, the Washington Football Team has little interest in the Jets quarterback after they inked another ex-Jets QB in Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Russini tweeted out, "I spoke to a source in Washington about the possibility of the WFT trading with the Jets for QB Sam Darnold. I was simply told "don't waste your time."
In short, talk to the hand. The WFT is more than happy to roll the dice on Fitzpatrick and whatever quarterback they have behind him -- maybe even someone in the draft for that matter than roll a dice on Darnold.
The only other team that has rumored to be interested in Darnold is the Seattle Seahawks. The Seahawks may be dealing their Super Bowl winning quarterback Russell Wilson, who has expressed frustration with the teams' personnel moves, particularly the lack of offensive line protection. Nothing is imminent on a trade of Wilson at this point.
However, Seahawks coach Pete Carroll sung praises of Darnold saying "I think he's real talented without question. He's got great throws in him. He's a real quarterback. He sees things. He makes big plays and big throws in difficult situations because of his talent. It's just a matter of time, Sam is going to be a big-time quarterback."
That's some effusive praise from a Hall of Fame coach about a quarterback who has not gotten enough support nor proper coaching in his three years with the Jets.
Carroll also knows something about greener pastures after leaving the Jets, having been the Jets head coach for a year back in 1994. In fact the Seahawks have been a haven for ex-Jets like former offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer and safety Jamal Adams, whom the Jets traded to Seattle last summer.
Of course that all depends upon a trade of Wilson. The Seahawks would be nuts to deal their best player, and considering the mega cap hit they would take in dead money - of $39 million to be exact - if they were to deal him before June 1.
Teams like the Bears, Panthers, Broncos, Saints, and Jets are looking for a QB. Keep in mind the Houston Texans will eventually have to acquiesce and deal Deshaun Watson if he is sincere about not playing in Houston anymore - so there would be competition for Wilson were he to be become available.
As of right now, the market for Darnold is not great. The Jets are in the midst of a critical decision. Trade Darnold. Keep him and trade back in the draft, or draft his replacement in either Zach Wilson or Justin Fields. There is always the chance the Jets could get into the Watson sweeps, but that appears unlikely considering how GM Joe Douglas really doesn't like to flex too much muscle and prefers to build through the draft.
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