Sam Darnold, USC, College Football
Nov 19, 2016; Pasadena, CA, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Sam Darnold (14) sets up to pass the football in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

If Mike Maccagnan’s plan for the New York Jets was to tank for Sam Darnold, they should first listen to his most recent comments.

Whether you believe the intent of the New York Jets is to lose as many games as possible over the course of the 2017 NFL season is irrelevant at this very moment.

Most think that’s exactly what Mike Maccagnan’s plan is in hopes to land a franchise quarterback next spring. I believe while that safety net is stored in the back of Mikey Mac’s head, they truly haven’t taken on the full tank persona.

For one, the roster has actually improved since last season. This means a five-win team who went through a nightmarish first six games will now be improved while potentially playing a softer schedule. But more importantly, rather than a tank, I feel as though Maccagnan did the proper thing rather than selfishly signing vets in hopes to win eight games in order to save his job.

In knowing the Jets couldn’t possibly compete, he improved the team for the long haul rather than the here and now.

Sadly, Sam Darnold probably can’t relate to the previous line of thinking. While he’s a smart kid, being over 3,000 miles away as an outsider probably has him more in line with the current media narrative that has the Jets in full tank mode.

On Tuesday, Darnold warned those possible tankers, via Dianna Russini of ESPN.

“I don’t think any team should tank their season because of me,” Darnold said.

There’s been speculation that Darnold may return to school for the 2018 season, but most believe it to be just rumor. It would be hard to believe the kid passing up the opportunity of millions as the No. 1 prospect off the board in such a violent sport.

The good thing for the Jets is unless Darnold pulls an Eli Manning or John Elway, if New York wins the fewest games in the NFL this coming season, this USC product will be wearing green come next summer.

Other Jets News, Stories:

  • A healthy Muhammad Wilkerson could wreak havoc in 2017, via Eric Allen of newyorkjets.com.
  • Brian Costello of the New York Post explains why Josh McCown may just postpone Jets excitement.

Robby Sabo is a co-founder, CEO and credentialed New York Jets content creator for Jets X-Factor - Jet X, which includes Sabo's Sessions (in-depth film breakdowns) and Sabo with the Jets. Host: Underdog Jets Podcast with Wayne Chrebet and Sabo Radio. Member: Pro Football Writers of America. Coach: Port Jervis (NY) High School. Washed up strong safety and 400M runner. SEO: XL Media. Founder: Elite Sports NY - ESNY (Sold in 2020). SEO: XL Media. Email: robby.sabo[at]jetsxfactor.com