QB Sam Darnold hopes to stay with New York Jets, saying ‘my best days are ahead’

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — #As he prepares for what could be his final game with the #New #York #Jets, #Sam #Darnold sounds like he knows where the organization can find its long-term answer at quarterback.

#By sticking with him.

#Despite his worst statistical season, #Darnold said #Thursday he hopes to remain with the #Jets and believes he can develop into a franchise quarterback.

“I absolutely believe my best days are ahead,” said #Darnold, 23, who was drafted third overall in 2018.

#Darnold has fallen short of expectations — 13-24 as the starter — fueling speculation the #Jets will trade him and choose his replacement with the second pick in the 2021 NFL draft.

#He insisted he’s not approaching #Sunday as a possible last game. The #Jets (2-13), winners of two straight, face the #New #England #Patriots (6-9) on the road.

“I’m a #Jet now,” #Darnold said. “I know we all like to think of hypotheticals and what-ifs, but I’m a #Jet right now. I love being here. I love the guys in the locker room. I love going to work every single day here.”

#Darnold said he hasn’t talked to general manager #Joe #Douglas about his future. #He has one year remaining on his rookie contract, with a fifth-year option for 2022 that must be exercised by early #May.

#What complicates his future is a lack of development, plus prime draft position. #With the second pick, the #Jets could take #Ohio #State’s #Justin #Fields or BYU’s #Zach #Wilson and flip #Darnold for draft picks.

A lot will depend on who is coaching the team. #Adam #Gase is expected to be fired after the game, and his replacement will have a say in the quarterback decision.

“I think there are stretches where I didn’t play nearly as well as I should’ve, and I’ll be the first to admit it,” #Darnold said.

#Darnold is the lowest-rated passer in the NFL (72.3), with only eight touchdown passes and nine interceptions, but he’s riding a career-best streak of three straight games without a turnover.

“#That’s where #Sam’s growth has come the last couple of weeks,” offensive coordinator #Dowell #Loggains said. “#He knows, ‘#Put the cape away. #You don’t need to be #Superman.'”

#Gase said the no-turnover streak is “a big stride. #Would I love for him to have more three- and four-touchdown games? #Absolutely, but that’s not something we can necessarily control, right?”

#Darnold’s decision-making, accuracy and footwork need work, according to #Gase, who said it’s unfair to criticize him for the offensive struggles. #Early in the season, #Darnold was throwing to second- and third-string wide receivers because of injuries.

#Gase admitted he has done a poor job of coaching the offense. #At the same time, #Darnold acknowledged he hasn’t helped his coach.

#Darnold called this the most challenging year of his football career, going all the way back to high school.

“#Yeah, I would say so,” said #Darnold, who also dealt with a sprained throwing shoulder that sidelined him for four games. “I had a couple of rough seasons in high school, but this has definitely been a tough season.”