The New York Jets made their head coaching hire in former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh. Now, general manager Joe Douglas faces personnel decisions.
The Jets possess the No. 2 pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, and there are questions as to what Sam Darnold's future holds.
Adam Schefter of ESPN is reporting, for now, Darnold will likely return as the starting quarterback in 2021. Schefter added it is likely the Jets give Darnold an opportunity to perform under a new staff and with some new personnel around him.
Looks like Sam Darnold will be the #Jets QB next season, per @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/ZqzSVUxCIG
— Sportsnaut (@Sportsnaut) January 15, 2021
Schefter also noted the Jets could pursue an offensive tackle or wide receiver with the No. 2 selection, though they appear to be open to trading the pick.
Darnold might be seen as the starting quarterback in the immediate future. However, it would still be a surprise for the Jets to exercise his fifth-year option. The 2021 campaign could serve as a good barometer for his future potential in New York.
Current and former 49ers—including Richard Sherman and Joe Staley—lauded New York's hiring of Saleh, who is widely regarded as one of the best minds and motivators in the game. How the Jets fill out the roster for Saleh will be up to Douglas.
It is unknown who the Jets would be targeting in the event they decide to trade the No. 2 overall pick. Perhaps trading back is an option if New York is angling for a wide receiver this spring, given the depth at the position in the upcoming draft class.
In any case, the Jets will have the opportunity to build out the roster, with high draft picks this April as well as the third-most projected cap space.
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