We have no choice but to leave it up to the experts, as I'm sure the jets FO and CS have been all over this. There are a number of potential explanations (and not necessarily damnations of Darnold) as to why WFT and Bears appear to be going in another direction:
- Bears and WFT will be trading up and selecting one of the top 5 QBs in the draft and are looking for veteran placeholders. Bears didn't make the move until the Wilson pursuit was rejected.;
- Both Bears and WFT could also still be in the Sam market and are just being careful by adding a veteran presence;
- It's possible that jets have sent signals that Sam gets another year unless a team is willing to overwhelm JD with an offer. JD has played this game successfully with the Seahawks and may feel it can work again. This could be the correct answer; and
- JD will be paying close attention to the Wilson and Fields pro days and may decide that is the route he goes, but until then the decision by all accounts is up in the air. Bears and WFT can't afford to have their cupboard bare in the meantime.
Its amazing to me how every action by another team has to be a validation of your disdain for Darnold. I think that JD is holding all of the cards here and will make an informed decision as to how to go forward. Who knows it may even involve a deal for Watson, although I for one hope not.