5 quarterbacks who could succeed Ben Roethlisberger for Steelers

Sam Darnold

Trevor Lawrence might as well start shopping for condos in New York City.

When Adam Gase was hired to take over the Jets for Sam Darnold’s sophomore season, hopes were that he would be able to harness the young passer’s potential and refashion the offense to bear resemblance to Peyton Manning’s record-setting attack in Denver.

Together, they haven’t been able to pull the Jets out of professional football’s doldrums and, with the winless Jets’ loss to Las Vegas, it’s becoming more and more apparent that Darnold is going to be run out of the Big Apple this offseason.

He has yet to perform as expected of a former third-overall choice. In 2020 alone, he’s been defeated in all nine of his starts, throwing four more interceptions than he has touchdowns.

One can contend, however, the 23-year-old Darnold has been undermined by both the coaching and talent, or lack thereof, around himself. Tailbacks such as Isaiah Crowell and Bilal Powell are far from world-beaters. Le’Veon Bell suited up for New York 17 times, averaging only 50.8 rushing yards per game and scoring only three times, before asking to be set free. Pass-catcher Robby Anderson has played much better in Carolina this season than he had in any of his four campaigns in a Jet uniform.

At this point, Jets general manager Joe Douglas guards Darnold as an asset, not a franchise quarterback. For what could be a generous asking price after his play this year, the Steelers could invest. With the right supporting cast, he might finally be able to live up to the billing.