Patriots: Former NFL QB picks Pats as Sam Darnold trade destination

Former NFL QB David Carr picked the Patriots as a trade destination for Jets signal caller Sam Darnold.

At this point it’s become abundantly clear that the New York Jets are the frontrunners to finish with the worst record in the NFL this season. When you couple their bottom barrel talent and laughable coaching situation with their unrelenting schedule, you’d be hard-pressed to picture a scenario in which they don’t finish the year 0-16.

Even if they manage to squeeze out a win, that would probably be enough for them to land the top pick in the 2021 Draft. Given the high probability of that becoming a reality, there’s been growing speculation that the Jets wouldn’t pass on the opportunity to draft Clemson superstar Trevor Lawrence, who is widely considered to be the best QB prospect in a generation.

That, in turn, means New York would be forced to move on from current gunslinger Sam Darnold, who’s been done zero favors by spending the first two-plus seasons of his career with the inept franchise. A move away from the Jets would allow the former No. 3 overall pick to realize his restricted potential and he has unsurprisingly been linked with a plethora of teams over the last few weeks that currently have questions marks at the QB position.

Up until Wednesday, the Patriots haven’t been named as a potential destination for Darnold. Then, however, NFL Network analyst and former 10-year quarterback David Carr swooped in and made what can only be described as a bold assertion.

"“In New England, Cam Newton is due to become a free agent after this season, and if the Patriots don’t re-sign him, it’d be worth trying Darnold out for the remainder of his rookie deal (runs through 2021 with a fifth-year option for 2022) to see if he can jumpstart his career,” said Carr during a segment on NFL Network."

Carr added that the Patriots would have to fork over a second- or third-round pick, or possibly even a first-rounder for Darnold. While we understand where the former 10-year signal caller is coming from, why would general manager Bill Belichick trade for a young QB looking to jumpstart his career when he already has a proven veteran in Cam Newton signed for an absolute bargain?

It’s duly noted that Newton will be pricey for 2021 and beyond, and the Pats generally don’t love throwing money around, but they’re are arguably a piece or two away — maybe an elite wide receiver and tight end or stout pass rusher — from becoming a legitimate contender in the AFC.

Don’t let reactionary media members try to swing the narrative surrounding Newton after his underwhelming showing against Denver on Sunday. Not only were both of his interceptions tipped, but his receivers found it impossible to create separation. He also had just one full practice to prepare for the full-speed slugfest after being activated off the COVID-19 reserve list.

We like what the future holds for Darnold, especially if he’s dealt to a competent franchise, but the Patriots seemingly already have their answer under center in Newton, who’s performing incredibly well despite working with pedestrian offensive weapons.

In other words, we do not see Belichick entering the Darnold sweepstakes if (or when) the Jets make him available after the season.

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