Jets Country

Are These Free Agency Deals a Sign That Nobody Wants to Trade For Sam Darnold?

Rather than trading for New York Jets QB Sam Darnold, the Washington Football Team, Chicago Bears and Houston Texans all signed quarterbacks in free agency

Max Goodman

Ryan Fitzpatrick to the Washington Football Team.

Andy Dalton to the Chicago Bears.

Tyrod Taylor to the Houston Texans. 

Each of those three teams made sense to be in the market for Jets quarterback Sam Darnold this offseason. Instead, all three have signed a QB in free agency over the last few days.

Sure, Taylor and Dalton could very well end up as backup quarterback in 2021 (and Fitzpatrick as well, as we saw in Miami for some time last season). For these teams to spend money at the quarterback position—when they have other needs to address this offseason—it could be a sign that they're not interested in Darnold after all.

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This comment from ESPN's Dianna Russini is also pretty telling.

Russini reported on Tuesday that she spoke to a source in Washington about the possibility of a trade for Darnold. She was told, from Washington's perspective, "don't waste your time."

That could mean a couple different things. Maybe the Jets are not planning on trading Darnold, so this source from Washington was referring to wasting time in negotiating when it's a lost cause. 

It's possible the Jets have changed their stance on dealing Darnold this offseason or the "check back with us soon" responses are getting old for other franchises.

Russini's source could also be referencing Darnold's struggles in the NFL through his first three seasons and that acquiring him would be a waste of time for the franchise. 

Either way, several teams (almost a third of the league to be exact) have reached out to the Jets about Darnold's availability. Those clubs are calling with varying levels of interest, but it certainly seemed like there were plenty of potential suitors out there. 

These three teams going out and signing a different quarterback could be completely unrelated. Regardless, it's certainly worth noting. 

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Max Goodman
MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher  of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.

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