New York Jets: Sam Darnold needs to stand up to Jimmy Sexton

As the standoff continues between the New York Jets and Sam Darnold regarding his contract, it’s time that Darnold stands up to his agent, Jimmy Sexton.

The day the New York Jets selected Sam Darnold with the third overall pick in the draft was a day of jubilation for the entire fan base. Finally the team had selected their franchise quarterback that would lead them into the future.

That is, if he sets foot on the practice field of course. Most of us felt that this was simply a formality. Darnold would sign his contract in due time.

Well look where we are now, ladies and gentlemen. It’s Monday morning and Sam is not signed. This has gone from something to have in the back of our minds to something very much in the front of it.

It’s not good. That describes it. It’s a problem.

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At this point, the issue is greater than just the offset language. Rich Cimini of ESPN writes about how it has to do with how the guaranteed money gets paid out.

First of all, the offset language is likely moot. Unless Darnold is equal to Christian Hackenberg, he isn’t be released during his rookie contract.

Then we come to the issue of the guaranteed money. How it might be voidable is a point of contention between the two sides.

Typical contracts involve language that voids guaranteed money due to disciplinary violations such as suspensions.

I’m not sure why this has become a problem.

It’s understandable for the Jets to want some assurance that their player won’t be a problem.

However, the agent should have confidence in his client. Is Jimmy Sexton worried that Sam Darnold is going to get himself suspended? Does he think he will take PEDs? That’s not the agent I would want if he had those kinds of concerns.

This means one of three things from the perspective of Jimmy Sexton:

He doesn’t trust Darnold to keep on the straight and narrow (not likely).
He is holding something against the Jets (possible).
He is trying to look like a better agent than the others (very possible).

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Whatever the reason, the person who is suffering at the hands of his agent is Sam Darnold. There is no way that this benefits him. All it does is hurt him.

Darnold is missing time to gain chemistry with his wide receivers. He needs time in the classroom. He needs to learn this offense on the football field. The Jets need to see him with pads on. Every minute this continues it is stunting his growth.

It’s time for Sam to stand up to Jimmy Sexton. He needs to tell him to get the deal done or else. He can pick any agent he wants. He doesn’t need an agent that puts his interests ahead of his client’s.

It’s not something that is easy for a 22-year-old to do. Standing up to someone you have been advised to trust is not easy. But it has to be done.

It could be a career altering decision for him.

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