Sam Darnold says winning Jets starting job will be ‘huge challenge’

New York Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold believes winning the starting quarterback job will be a “huge challenge” for him to complete.

After a holdout, rookie quarterback Sam Darnold is finaly at New York Jets training camp preparing for the upcoming season. Darnold joins NFL veterans Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater in a three-way battle to determine who will become the Jets starting quarterback in the 2018-19 season.

But while Darnold is tabbed as the quarterback of the future in New York, the rookie has the self-awareness to understand that winning the job won’t come easy. 

"“Obviously, it’s a coach’s decision,” he said, when asked about claiming the starting job, via Rich Cimini of ESPN. “The competitor in me, yeah, I want to start, but at the same time … it’s whatever is best for the team. … With Josh [McCown] and Teddy [Bridgewater], it’s a huge challenge.”Speaking with the media for the first time since reporting to camp, the rookie didn’t regret missing time to get his contract straightened out.“It sucked watching it, but at the same time, I knew what needed to be done,” he said. “I knew it was necessary.”"

So far, Darnold sits behind Bridgewater at No. 3, and two spots behind McCown, who is currently penciled in as the starter. Darnold, who most recently signed a four year, $30.25 million contract, has some catching up to do before placing emphasis on the starting job. But because he was their top draft pick (No. 3 overall) it’s hard to see the Jets not giving Darnold a fair chance.

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Darnold was seen as the next great quarterback in the pros after spending two seasons playing for the USC Trojans.

The Jets obviously have high hopes for their No. 3 overall draft pick. With time and great work ethic, those hopes should become reality.