The New York Jets traded up to No. 3 in the draft for the express purpose of taking a franchise quarterback. They ended up with Sam Darnold, who was considered by some as the best QB prospect of the class.

Jets chairman and CEO Christopher Johnson is certainly excited with how things panned out for his team. He believes that Darnold falling to them in the draft will go down as a defining moment in the franchise’s history.

“I honestly think [people] are going to look back 20 years from now and say this is the moment the Jets shifted into a new gear, that they became a great team,” Johnson said, per Rich Cimini of ESPN.

Article Continues Below
More New York Jets News
New York Jets Head Coach Aaron Glenn, is shown as he speaks during a press conference, at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center, Monday, January 27, 2025, in Florham Park. Glenn spoke about not just getting the Jets to a winning record but to sustain them as a championship caliber team.
Aaron Rodgers’ ouster a sign of things to come for JetsMike Gianakos ·
Isaiah Davis, Jets
2 Jets hidden gems on 2025 roster you need to knowDouglas Fritz ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is shown after he led Gang Green to a 32-20 victory against the Miami Dolphins.
Steelers, Jets would make Week 1 history if Aaron Rodgers signsBenjamin Adducchio ·
Detroit Lions pass game coordinator Tanner Engstrand watches practice at Meijer Performance Center in Allen Park on Friday, Jan. 3, 2025.
New Jets OC Tanner Engstrand gives 5 keys offense is ‘shooting for’Ben Strauss ·
Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Justin Fields (2) warms up before an AFC wild card game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium.
‘Great’ take by Jets’ Justin Fields will have Bears, Steelers fans raising eyebrowsDouglas Fritz ·
jets, Arian Smith
1 New York Jets rookie who stood out most in 2025 minicamp’Garrett Kerman ·

While that may be a lot of pressure to place on a rookie, it can’t be understated how much the Jets have needed stability at the position. It’s been so long that they’ve had consistently strong production out of their quarterback, which is so vital for success in the NFL.

Johnson’s comments are indicative of the belief they have in Darnold finally being that type of transformative force in the organization. Darnold already made a strong first impression on Jets head coach Todd Bowles, and he’s being given every opportunity to win the starting quarterback spot for the new season.

It’ll obviously be important for the Jets to take a patient approach with Darnold’s development. They also have to surround him with a team capable of competing on a consistent basis. But if Darnold can live up to his full potential, he might end up making his boss’ bold proclamation sound prophetic in time.