Exactly How Many Teams Have Reached Out to the Jets About Trading For Sam Darnold (So Far)

The New York Jets have reportedly heard from four different NFL teams so far expressing interest in trading for quarterback Sam Darnold this offseason

A report that revealed "multiple teams" had reached out to the Jets to express interest in trading for Sam Darnold stole the show on the morning of Super Bowl Sunday. Now, we know exactly how many teams have inquired with New York about their franchise quarterback. 

According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, four different teams have called the Jets so far, checking in on Darnold's availability. 

Each team reportedly was met with their own unique reply, but the consensus is that the organization is still "getting its footing [and] is still evaluating the quarterback position," per Breer.

In other words, thanks for reaching out and check back in later once Robert Saleh and his staff have settled into their new roles because Darnold isn't untouchable. 

Here's more from Breer about why Darnold warrants consideration from other teams, even if talented prospects at the position will be available throughout the first round of this year's draft:

The interesting thing is the 23-year-old Darnold is only two years older than [Justin] Fields and [Zach] Wilson, and three years older than [Trey] Lance. And it’d be very easy for another to look at Darnold, and the situation he was in, and deduce that the still-raw talent he’s got can very much be harvested. Which, then, could lead to [Joe] Douglas having the ability to get even more draft capital to work with to surround a quarterback taken with the second pick. That is, of course, assuming that Deshaun Watson isn’t in play in a few weeks. Either way, the Jets are in a decent spot here, regardless of where they decide to go. 

Going back to the report over the weekend, from ESPN's Adam Schefter, the quarterback market is progressing quickly and a decision on Darnold may be made soon. Considering the Eagles are reportedly likely to move Carson Wentz in the near future, and more news on Deshaun Watson's availability could drop any moment now, it might behoove the Jets to ship off Darnold soon to secure more draft capital for their next move. 

Even if Saleh and his staff are leaning toward giving Darnold a shot in 2021, there's no harm in testing the market to see what kind of return they can get for the 23-year-old. Who knows, maybe they'll get blown away by an offer that would then make trading for Watson (flipping draft compensation) even easier.

As much as time is of the essence here, the draft isn't until April. This quarterback conundrum has the potential to end with a franchise-altering decision. Don't expect New York to rush into anything until they've made up their minds. 

MORE:

• NFL Draft Analyst Advises Jets Not To Take Quarterback With No. 2 Pick
• Joe Namath: Sam Darnold Will 'Be Around For 15 Years' But Deshaun Watson Is 'Sensational'
• Adam Schefter: Jets Can Get First-Round Pick Back in Trade For Sam Darnold

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