Jordan Palmer has worked with Sam Darnold in the past and recently expressed his confidence in the current New York Jets thrower.
Jordan Palmer knows a thing or two about quarterbacking. He continues to rank at or near the top of the UTEP passing record book, spent time in the systems of NFL, UFL, and AFL squads, his brother Carson was a top NFL pick, and he now mentors several modern stars of the game.
He has a dire warning for the New York Jets if they’re thinking about moving on from one of his pupils.
Appearing on the “Patriots Talk” podcast, Palmer finds the notion of moving on from Darnold after three seasons foolish.
“A lot of people have drawn conclusions on Sam Darnold,” Palmer told host Tom Curran. “I can definitely tell you, save this, mark it … you’re dead wrong. This guy is going to be so good in this league.”
Palmer believes that Darnold’s struggles are the fault of former head coach Adam Gase. He normally remains in contact with his proteges’ coaches to keep them abreast of progress. But Palmer never had such a meeting with Gase, who was fired after the Jets earned a mere two wins, their worst tally since 1996.
Under Gase’s watch, Darnold posted nine touchdown passes last season, along with 2,208 yards, and a 72.7 passer rating … all career-worsts.
“I usually have a dialogue with the team, ‘Hey, I’ve been out here with this guy for six months, do you want to know what we’re doing?’” Palmer said. “I’ve never spoken with Adam Gase in my life, and I’ve spoken with other coaches all the time. That’s a little indicative right there … You don’t have any concern with what this guy’s been doing for six months?
“He didn’t have that equation. He’s as undeveloped as a player that has been drafted that high that we’ve seen in recent years.”
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Darnold has worked with Palmer over the past few seasons in California, their most recent exploits well documented during lockdowns in the wake of the ongoing health crisis. Fellow quarterbacks Josh Allen and Kyle Allen were also among those partaking in the Californian workouts.
The status of Darnold, set to enter his fourth NFL season, has been a hotly contested debate as the Jets prepare to choose second in the upcoming NFL Draft in Cleveland. General manager Joe Douglas admitted that the team would field calls from teams interested in a trade in his recent statements.
The potential search began in earnest on Friday, as Douglas attended North Dakota State’s pro day to view reigning Walter Payton Award holder Trey Lance.
Geoff Magliocchetti is on Twitter @GeoffJMags
