Jets Re-sign Former First-Round Pick Sam Darnold for $45 Million to Replace Aaron Rodgers
In an unexpected and bold move during the 2025 NFL Draft, the New York Jets have re-signed former first-round pick Sam Darnold to a lucrative $45 million contract, officially naming him as the replacement for the legendary Aaron Rodgers. The decision has left fans and analysts alike stunned, as the Jets pivot from their original plan to rely on Rodgers for a few more seasons.
The move comes after months of speculation regarding the Jets’ quarterback situation following the injury-riddled 2024 season, where Rodgers struggled with various setbacks. Despite initially acquiring Rodgers in a high-profile trade two years ago, the Jets had hoped to build their future around the future Hall of Famer. However, a combination of Rodgers’ age, injury concerns, and the overall decline in his performance led to the franchise’s decision to look toward the future.
Sam Darnold, who was drafted by the Jets as the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, has had a tumultuous career since his departure from New York. Darnold spent several seasons with the Carolina Panthers before being released at the end of the 2024 season. His time in Carolina was marked by inconsistent play, but there were moments where Darnold showed flashes of the talent that made him such a highly regarded prospect coming out of USC.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas had long expressed confidence in Darnold’s potential, and after assessing the current quarterback market and the team’s needs, the organization made the bold decision to re-sign him on a two-year, $45 million deal.
In a press release, Douglas stated, “Sam is a player with immense talent, and we believe his best football is still ahead of him. We are excited to bring him back to New York, where we feel he can lead our team and help us achieve success in the years to come.”
Darnold himself expressed enthusiasm about returning to the franchise that initially drafted him, saying, “I’m excited to be back where it all started. I’ve learned a lot over the past few seasons, and I’m ready to take on this new opportunity. I’m committed to leading this team and working hard every day to help us win.”
With Darnold now at the helm, the Jets are hoping to turn the page from the Rodgers era and focus on developing a new, younger quarterback who can lead them into the future. Despite the uncertainty surrounding the decision, Darnold’s familiarity with the team’s coaching staff, combined with his desire to prove himself, gives the Jets hope for a fresh start.
The Jets’ fanbase has had a mixed reaction to the news, with some expressing excitement over the potential for a young quarterback who can grow with the team, while others are skeptical about Darnold’s ability to step into such a significant role after a rocky career start.
“I’m cautiously optimistic,” said lifelong Jets fan Michael Johnson. “Darnold showed some real potential early on, but he’s had his ups and downs. If anyone can help him put it all together, it’s this coaching staff.”
Looking ahead, the Jets now have a critical decision to make regarding their draft strategy. With Darnold now in place as the starter, the team may focus on building around him with additional weapons on offense and bolstering their defense, which has shown considerable improvement in recent years.
In a surprising twist, the Jets have opted to take a gamble on Sam Darnold, re-signing him to a significant contract in a bid to chart a new course for the franchise. The re-signing marks the beginning of a new chapter in New York, as the Jets look to build their future around the former first-round pick and leave behind the uncertainty of the Aaron Rodgers era. The next few seasons will be crucial in determining whether Darnold can fulfill the potential that made him a top draft pick in 2018 and lead the Jets back to playoff contention.
