Jets Country

Ex-Jets Draft Bust Tabbed Worst QB In Division After Breakout Season

Is Sam Darnold going to take a step back this season?
Zach Pressnell|
Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) shakes hands with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) after the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Oct 6, 2024; London, United Kingdom; New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) shakes hands with Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) after the game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

In this story:

New York JetsSeattle Seahawks

The New York Jets used the No. 3 pick in the 2018 NFL Draft to select quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold was expected to come in and be the face of the franchise, but he quickly turned into a draft bust.

In three seasons with the Jets, went 13-25 while throwing for 8,097 yards, 45 touchdowns, and 39 interceptions. After that, he bounced around with the Carolina Panthers and San Francisco 49ers before landing the starting job with the Minnesota Vikings last season.

With the Vikings, Darnold threw for 4,319 yards, 35 touchdowns, and just 12 interceptions. It was by far the best year of his career. He played so well that the Seattle Seahawks gave him a three-year contract worth over $100 million.

Sayre Bedinger of NFL Spinzone isn't completely sold on the ex-Jet, though. Bedinger recently listed Darnold as the worst quarterback in the NFC West, placing him behind Brock Purdy, Kyler Murray, and Matthew Stafford.

"I’m not going to say that Sam Darnold absolutely cannot keep things going from what we saw last year, but I’m skeptical," Bedinger wrote. "Darnold did so well playing in Minnesota’s offense under Kevin O’Connell, but he no longer has that same supporting cast around him. If he can be even close to what we saw last year in Minnesota, I’ll eat crow on this one."

While Darnold's supporting cast doesn't have Kevin O'Connell, Aaron Jones, Justin Jefferson, or T.J. Hockenson anymore, it feels disrespectful to place him in last place. Last season, Darnold threw for more yards and touchdowns than any of the other three quarterbacks in his division.

That's not to say he should be ranked the top quarterback in the NFC West, but a last place ranking is quite disrespectful after such a breakout season.

More NFL: Jets Urged To Swing Trade For Packers' $47 Million Star

Published
Zach Pressnell
ZACH PRESSNELL

Zach Pressnell has experience covering all major US sports at both the professional and collegiate levels. He’s produced content for FanSided, Blog Red Machine, The Game Haus, Bethany College Athletics and the Bethany College online newspaper, He graduated from Bethany College (WV) with a degree in Communications and Media Arts, specializing in Sports Journalism. Pressnell was also a four-year member of the baseball team where he earned himself All-PAC recognition as a pitcher (and a cool Tommy John surgery scar). Now, Pressnell specializes in NFL and MLB coverage for Sports Illustrated’s “On SI” network among others. For all business/marketing inquiries regarding "New York Jets On SI," please reach out to Scott Neville: scott@wtfsports.org

Home/News