The New York Jets face significant quarterback decisions this offseason. With Aaron Rodgers’ future uncertain, the team must explore potential replacements.
One candidate is former Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, set to become an unrestricted free agent.
During an interview with radio host Jake Asman, ESPN’s Rich Cimini weighed in on Darnold’s potential return to New York.
“Sam Darnold, I always thought, had talent, but it just didn’t work for him here in New York. He probably needed a fresh start. Good for him; he’s set to land a massive contract this offseason. He put in the work, rehabilitated his career – I think spending a year with Kyle Shanahan helped him a lot,” Cimini shared on The Jake Asman Show on ESPN880 in New York. “I don’t know where he’ll end up. Maybe Minnesota? Maybe Tennessee? But I’d bet anything he won’t come back to the Jets.”
Spotrac projects Darnold to sign a four-year deal worth $141 million. That $35.4 million annual salary would make him the 14th highest-paid quarterback in the NFL, according to Over The Cap.
Darnold’s Price Tag Could Rise Even Higher
At just 27 years old, Darnold is hitting free agency at an ideal time. A year ago, a $35 million annual salary would have been a dream.
However, market dynamics play a crucial role in contract negotiations. Beyond talent, factors like the availability of alternatives shape a player’s value.
Free agency for quarterbacks in 2025 is thin, boosting Darnold’s position. The only other proven starter slated to hit the market is Russell Wilson of the Pittsburgh Steelers.
At 36, Wilson is nine years older than Darnold and appears settled in Pittsburgh. This leaves Darnold as the premier quarterback option for teams desperate for a solution, potentially inflating his value to $45 million annually or higher.
Could Darnold Reunite with the Jets in 2025?
A reunion with the Jets would be a poetic twist in Darnold’s career. Drafted by the team in 2018, he struggled, was traded, and now has an opportunity to return as a top-tier free agent.
Still, ESPN’s Rich Cimini doubts it. “A Darnold return to the Jets is a longshot,” he said, pointing out that Darnold is likely to have many options, including staying in Minnesota or signing with the highest bidder.
It’s worth noting that the decision-makers who drafted Darnold and later traded him away are no longer with the organization. By the time Darnold makes his decision, the Jets will have new leadership in place.
Darnold is having a career year with the Vikings in 2025. The team boasts a 13-2 record with a clear path to the NFC’s No. 1 seed. He has thrown for 3,776 yards, completed 67.2% of his passes, and achieved a 32-touchdown-to-11-interception ratio – all career highs for the seventh-year veteran.
