New York Jets: Negotiations could hurt Sam Darnold’s starting chances

New York Jets rookies reported to camp on July 24, and if Sam Darnold doesn’t sign soon, it will cost him a chance to start Week 1 at Ford Field on September 10.

Three of the four quarterbacks selected in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft have yet to sign their rookie deals. New York Jets third overall pick Sam Darnold is one of them.

Fans are split on whether or not they want Darnold to start Week 1. Well, the camp that doesn’t want him to start Week 1, irrationally fearing it would “ruin his career,” might just get their wishes, if he doesn’t sign soon.

The holdup can’t be about money or length of contract, because rookies are slotted based on where they are drafted. So, what’s the holdup? That’s a simple one — offset language.

Most rookies want offset language completely removed from their contracts, and it’s easy to see why. According to PFT’s Mike Florio, players would get to “double dip” if there’s no offset language in the rookie deal. So, what is offset language?

In the case of Sam Darnold, it would be how much of the contract’s guaranteed money he gets from the Jets. Even though it’s highly unlikely — barring injury — if Darnold were to cut by the Jets before his rookie deal is up, whatever amount of guaranteed money he is owed by the Jets would be offset by his next contract, meaning the Jets would pay him less. If there is no offset language, then the Jets are on the hook for the guaranteed money plus he gets paid elsewhere.

Next: NFL 2018: Rookie class bold predictions

If the Jets and CAA can’t come to terms on this issue soon, Darnold probably won’t start Week 1, because he will miss a huge chunk of rapport building and learning time. If he doesn’t sign by the time veterans report on July 24, he’s setting himself back. Let’s hope it gets done sooner rather than later.