Seahawks S, former Jet Jamal Adams is “pulling for” Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold’s future with the Jets is unclear. Nonetheless, a former teammate has his back with the offseason underway.

It’s not confirmed Sam Darnold will be with the team that drafted him next season. To some, it seems unlikely. The Jets could part ways with the young quarterback in favor of a first-round draftee or potentially superstar Deshaun Watson.

There are differing opinions in regard to Darnold’s ultimate trade value. ESPN’s Adam Schefter recently noted he could be worth a late first-rounder; others think a second-rounder could do it.

Regardless, it’s unnecessary to completely write off Darnold. Adam Gase’s ineffective play-calling the last two seasons played into his slow development. The fact he didn’t possess consistent playmakers to utilize in Florham Park wasn’t ideal either.

Given these detrimental circumstances outside of his control, there are still some that remain confident in Darnold’s on-field ability despite the fact he may be traded, including former teammate and current Seahawks safety Jamal Adams.

“Wherever he lands, he’s going to be fine,” Adams said while appearing on CBS Sports’ “Tiki & Tierney.” “I’m pulling for Sammy. I shot him a text the other day. He’s going to be fine, man. He’s going to get his confidence back, and he’s going to start ripping again.”

Where he “lands” remains to be one of the lingering discussions; there are a few possible scenarios.

If he was to depart Gang Green for a late first-rounder, there would be a number of potential suitors. Multiple playoff teams from this season may require a change at the quarterback position heading into 2021 — the Bears, Colts, Washington, to name a few.

There’s also the possibility Darnold finds himself in Houston. The Jets, who currently possess four first-rounders combined over the next two drafts, own the capital to potentially land Watson (the Texans might be requesting three first-round picks and Darnold).

What many are overlooking, however, is the chance that Darnold additionally remains with the Jets for at least 2021, as he could actually thrive in the new offensive system. Former 49ers passing game coordinator Mike LaFleur will take over the offensive coordinator duties under newly hired head coach Robert Saleh. LaFleur’s gameplans will likely portray elements of Kyle Shanahan’s offense, a system that succeeded through the air without the most productive of quarterbacks in San Francisco.

The Jets, who would then save those 2021 first-round picks, could use either of their day-one selections on a receiver to assist in Darnold’s overall development.