The New York Jets are gauging widespread interest in quarterback Sam Darnold at the start of the informal tampering period. There had been plenty of rumblings about a potential trade leading up to free agency.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reported Monday eight teams have been in contact with the Jets regarding Darnold, with New York still planning to evaluate quarterback prospects before making a final call:

10) Status quo on the Sam Darnold front, with Darnold likely to be the next QB domino to fall. So what I told you last week stands: Eight teams have been in contact with the Jets about Darnold, and the team would like to see Wilson and Fields throw live at their pro days before making a final call, but has relayed some flexibility on that to other teams. What kind of deal would get it done? My guess would be maybe something north of what Arizona got for Josh Rosen in 2019 (that was a two and a five).

New York's plan to watch draft prospects throw live is nothing new. But the fact eight rival teams have inquired about Sam Darnold is certainly news. The Jets appear headed for what might be a tough decision.

Article Continues Below
More New York Jets News
New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) participates in a drill during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center.
Breece Hall breaks down what Justin Fields brings to Jets offenseSteve Silverman ·
Jun 11, 2025; Florham Park, NY, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) participates in a drill during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images
Breece Hall gets real on transition from old coaching staff to Aaron GlennMike Gianakos ·
Jun 10, 2025; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets head coach Aaron Glenn speaks at a press conference during minicamp at Atlantic Health Jets Training Center. Mandatory Credit: John Jones-Imagn Images. Jets hot takes include Justin Fields and Josh Reynolds.
3 hottest New York Jets takes coming out of 2025 minicampMike Gianakos ·
New York Jets owner Woody Johnson walks on the field before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium.
Jets’ Woody Johnson makes $254 million purchase of Premier League clubMalik Brown ·
Jets, Jets training camp, Jadeveon Clowney, Jets Jadeveon Clowney
1 perfect New York Jets move to fill out roster before 2025 training campCameron Zunkel ·
New York Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) is pressured in the pocket during the first quarter.
Jets rumors: Aaron Rodgers put NY run game on blast in 25-minute rantJulian Ojeda ·

General manager Joe Douglas might be tempted to move on from Darnold if he gets a strong offer from a team desperate to land a new quarterback. The Jets can then use the No. 2 overall pick to select the likes of Zach Wilson, Justin Fields or Trey Lance.

Alternatively, Douglas could keep Darnold with the hope he shows improvement under new offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur. That route would likely see the Jets select a star receiver like DeVonta Smith or Ja'Marr Chase with the second overall pick.

In any case, the market for Sam Darnold is far from limited.