The New York Jets’ quarterback situation for the upcoming offseason is shrouded in uncertainty. Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon attempted to forecast the team’s next steps, envisioning a scenario where Aaron Rodgers retires, leaving the Jets in search of a new QB1.
Gagnon’s prediction takes a bold turn: he suggests the Jets could bring back two of their former quarterbacks, Sam Darnold and Geno Smith, to compete for the starting role under “prove-it contracts.”
“Sam Darnold to the Jets, who also sign Geno Smith: That’s right, I’ve got Gang Green bringing back two former starters who have since excelled in new settings and pitting them against each other on prove-it contracts,” Gagnon wrote. “It seems wacky but it’s very Jets, and it’s not a terrible strategy when you might not have great options in the draft and want to bolster your odds of hitting the jackpot.”
A Questionable Scenario
While intriguing, the proposal has its flaws. Darnold, currently excelling with the Minnesota Vikings on a one-year, $10 million deal, is having a career-best season with a 67.6% completion rate and 21 touchdown passes—both personal highs. With six games remaining, he’s poised to further solidify his market value.
Spotrac estimates Darnold’s next deal could be a four-year, $129 million contract, averaging $32.4 million annually. This projection would rank him 15th among the league’s highest-paid quarterbacks, making another prove-it deal highly unlikely.
Smith, meanwhile, is under contract with the Seattle Seahawks through 2025 on a $75 million deal. While the Seahawks could release him, they would face a $13.5 million dead cap hit. Smith has been a steady performer in Seattle, boasting a 68% completion rate, 67 touchdowns, and 11,676 passing yards over five seasons.
Would Either QB Want a Jets Reunion?
Even if the financial hurdles could be addressed, it’s unclear whether Darnold or Smith would be interested in returning to New York.
Darnold, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, struggled during his time with the Jets due to a lack of support and development. Smith’s tenure ended after a bizarre locker-room incident and his subsequent replacement by Ryan Fitzpatrick.
Both players are likely to be in demand. Darnold’s breakout year with the Vikings positions him as a coveted free agent, while Smith would attract significant interest if cut by Seattle.
Rodgers’ Retirement Looms
Rodgers has publicly expressed uncertainty about his future, making Gagnon’s retirement prediction plausible. If Rodgers steps away, the Jets will need to explore alternative options at quarterback. However, whether Darnold or Smith would be part of those plans remains highly speculative.
