Sam Darnold has emerged as one of the pivotal pieces in the 2025 NFL Free Agency landscape, and there’s growing sentiment that he might find his way back to the New York Jets this offseason. With other franchise options like the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Giants, and Los Angeles Rams lurking around, it’s worth diving into whether a return to the Jets truly is the best destination for Darnold.
The Jets are in transformation mode under the fresh leadership of General Manager and Head Coach Aaron Glenn, seeking to inject a new culture into the organization after parting ways with Aaron Rodgers. This decision, albeit a bold one, sets the stage for a crucial next step: finding a reliable quarterback to steer the ship going forward.
Here’s where it gets interesting—Darnold’s history with the Jets is complex. He was drafted by the team and spent his formative years developing, but things did not go as planned during his initial tenure in New York. While the front office has turned over, the memories of his struggles may loom large, creating a psychological hurdle for Darnold, and one that both he and the franchise must navigate.
The Jets currently boast a roster packed with talent, and the urgency for success has never been more pressing. The question looming over the organization is whether this new regime will trust a quarterback who has had mixed success throughout his career. Yet, with Darnold approaching his late twenties, there could be a compelling case for him to thrive in a more favorable environment.
Analysts are weighing in on why the Jets might pursue Darnold instead of heading toward a complete rebuild with a rookie. Notably, the addition of Tanner Engstrand as the new offensive coordinator sparks hope. Engstrand comes with a solid background, having spent the last five seasons in Detroit, and while he may not yet have the title of playcaller, his time working with Ben Johnson and Dan Campbell suggests he could design an offense that leverages the unique strengths of quarterbacks like Darnold, Zach Wilson, and Breece Hall.
Ultimately, considering how Darnold’s Jets career started, one can’t disregard the possibility that he might lean toward alternatives like the Raiders or Rams—especially if the opportunity presents itself to step into a fresh setting devoid of the pressures and expectations tied to his first stint in New York. It’s an intriguing scenario with several layers, and one that could significantly shape the future trajectories of both Darnold and the Jets. As the offseason approaches, all eyes will be on what moves are made in this high-stakes game of musical chairs in the NFL quarterback landscape.
