Steelers potentially interested in negotiating for Sam Darnold

The quarterfinal carousel is far from over. As Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson steal the headlines, there is a quarterback who has started to fly under the radar.

This could end soon, however. New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold will likely be traded sooner rather than later as they look set to take on Zach Wilson with the second pick in the 2021 NFL Draft. But who would pursue Darnold in a trade?

In Albert Breer’s Monday morning quarterback, he reported that the Carolina Panthers and Pittsburgh Steelers were the most likely landing spots for the young quarterback. That’s what he had to say about the Jets’ potential quarterback contenders.

“I would keep an eye on Carolina and Pittsburgh. Darnold would represent a worthy and affordable dart to throw on the quarterback board if the Panthers are confident the quarterbacks they want will be gone by the time they pick in the eighth (and Atlanta having the fourth pick doesn’t help). As for the Steelers, if priced right, they could see similarities in how Darnold plays with how their own quarterback did in their early 20s, and throw Darnold in there to compete with Dwayne Haskins for be the heir of Ben Roethlisberger. Washington and Denver also emerged as possible landing points, although I know each had doubts about their gang.

Whenever there’s a rumor about a trade, the first question that comes to a fan’s mind is, “What shall we give up?” When this conversation about Darnold took place two months ago, a lot of people including myself thought it would take a late choice in the first or early second round. Based on recent reports, however, this may not be the case.

According to ESPN’s Kimberly Martin, the Jets will likely only get a third-round pick, at best. Here’s what she had to say about it in her tweet.

“I spoke to three NFL general managers from Sam Darnold’s market. I asked what the most they would be willing to give up: two said a 3rd Rd pick – with one saying even a late third would be “a bit rich.” The other GM said “maybe” a 3rd or 4th conditional. “

This follows previous reports that the Jets are willing to trade Darnold, even if they don’t get a first-round pick in return.

Darnold is currently in the final year of his contract, but the team negotiating for him will have the option of exercising his fifth year option if a trade takes place before the league’s deadline to choose the option. The fifth year option is fully guaranteed at $ 18,858,000, which will make it difficult for the Jets to trade it unless they are able to find a way to agree to part of his contract, at least part of it. money for this season.

Darnold wrestled a lot in New York, but let’s not lose sight of the fact that he was in an attack where the top receivers were Jamison Crowder and Braxton Berrios. Denzel Mims was expected to be a prime target for Darnold, but Mims was injured last season and was not a big factor. His offensive line was also painful to watch. He was sacked 98 times in three seasons in New York. The Steelers have some work to do on the offensive line themselves, but after sitting behind Ben Roethlisberger for a year, being offended by Matt Canada, having a deep group of wide receivers and having an offensive line with potentially two seconds. year. stallions, Pittsburgh could be the perfect place for Darnold to jumpstart his career.

It’s also worth mentioning that he’s the same age as Kyle Trask. Because he was drafted so young, we’re still looking for a 23-year-old prospect. So there is still plenty of time for Darnold to turn things around.

But what do you think? Would you give up a 3rd or 4th round pick for Darnold in this year’s draft or next year? Be sure to light up the comments section with your thoughts on whether or not the Steelers should pursue the Jets quarterback.