New York Jets Roster
- AFC East
- Stadium
- MetLife Stadium
- Head Coach
- Robert Saleh
- Offensive Coordinator
- Mike LaFleur
- Defensive Coordinator
- Frank Bush
- Special Teams Coach
- Brant Boyer
- Defensive Scheme
- 3-4
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold has faced turmoil from all sides as it comes to his role as the team's starting QB in the past 12 months, and that shows no signs of slowing as 2021 kicks off. But it appears that new head coach Robert Saleh and offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur see their signal caller as having "untapped potential," after watching extensive tape. Darnold has primarily had to battle the possibility of New York drafting a quarterback with the No. 2 overall selection in the upcoming NFL Draft, but with Texans QB Deshaun Watson now reportedly available in a deal, Darnold may have a new wrinkle in his path to remaining the starter for the Jets. It's well within the realm that New York tabs Darnold under center in less than eight months time when the new year begins, as a full off-season with LaFleur may be just the ticket his future needs.
The New York Jets hired former San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh as their next head coach on Thursday night, according to league sources. The two sides have reached an agreement on a five-year deal. 49ers passing-game coordinator Mike LaFleur is expected to be the first member of Saleh's staff and serve as the offensive coordinator. Saleh has been a highly sought-after head-coach candidate the last two seasons and also interviewed with the Falcons, Lions, Jaguars, Eagles and Chargers for their head-coach vacancies. He was the guiding force behind the Niners transformation on D in the last four seasons. San Fran finished second in yards allowed per game en route to a Super Bowl appearance after the 2019 regular season. Saleh inherits a Jets team that went 2-14 in 2020 and a defense that allowed 28.6 points per game, the third-most in franchise history. The Jets hold the No. 2 and 23 picks in this year's draft and must decide if quarterback Sam Darnold is their future under center.
The New York Jets are flying San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Robert Saleh out for a second interview on Tuesday. Saleh is the first known finalist for the team's head-coaching opening. He's also still a candidate for the Detroit Lions head-coaching vacancy. Saleh has been San Fran's defensive coordinator since 2017, but his last two years have elevated him to a serious head-coaching candidate. The Niners defense finished second in yards allowed per game in 2019 en route to a Super Bowl appearance. Despite injuries at every level in 2020, Saleh's defense finished fifth in yards allowed per game while missing reigning Defensive Rookie of the Year Nick Bosa. Saleh managed to keep his unit productive and competitive despite playing with plenty of backups.
New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas, who previously said that quarterback Sam Darnold was untouchable, was non-committal on whether Darnold would be the team's starting quarterback in 2021. Douglas said the team's new head coach will be "a big part of that." The Jets also have the second overall pick in the draft and could select Darnold's replacement. Douglas remains optimistic about Darnold's future, but it was tempered compared to his previous stance on the signal-caller. New York finished 2-14 and Darnold was the NFL's lowest-rated QB (72.7). The former third overall pick in 2018 helped beat the Rams and Browns, but he finished with a two-interception performance in a loss to the Patriots in Week 17. The 23-year-old finished with nine touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 12 games, but he wasn't helped by his offensive line and had a lack of trustworthy receivers all year. Darnold will likely have competition next year and won't be on the radar in single-QB leagues.
New York Jets running back Frank Gore hasn't closed the door on returning for a 17th NFL season and is open to playing again in 2021 under the right circumstances. Gore didn't play in the Week 17 regular season finale against the Patriots due to a lung contusion. The ageless wonder managed to play in 15 games this year as the Jets primary running back, accumulating 653 yards and two touchdowns on 187 carries. He also managed 16 receptions on 19 targets for 89 yards. While Gore can still play in the NFL, he's managed a lowly 3.5 yards per carry in the last two seasons with the Bills and Jets and would likely just be a complementary back if he plays another season with another organization. But the 37-year-old is a surefire Hall of Famer and became the third player in history to run for 16,000 yards in his career this season. Gore will be a free agent if he decides to keep playing.