Sam Darnold Signs a Rookie Deal With Jets, Joins Practice

Sam Darnold with the New York Jets in 2018
Sam Darnold with the New York Jets in 2018. Photo by Albert Pena/CSM/REX/Shutterstock (9643632n)

The third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, USC’s quarterback Sam Darnold, took more time than expected to join the team that drafted him, but as of Monday, he is officially the player of New York Jets. Darnold inked a four-year, $30.2 million deal with a fifth-year option included. The contract also contains a $20 million signing bonus, which will go down as one of the richest in the franchise’s history.

What’s up, Jets fans. Man, it’s a pleasure to be signed now,” – said Darnold in a video posted on the Jets official Twitter page. “Very excited, very special moment.

After signing the contract, Sam Darnold immediately jogged to the practice field and joined his new teammate. He was welcomed by a slow clap while fellow QB Josh McCown shook his hand.

Anybody who comes in late and holds out as a draft pick and makes a bunch of money is going to catch some ribbing from the team — and this is only the start of it,” – Jets coach Todd Bowles commented the video. “Sam has a good spirit, and he’ll take it kind-heartedly, and we’ll move on.

The interesting thing is that Darnold was second-to-last to sing his rookie deal out of 256 drafted players in this year. The only other player that is still left to sign a contract is linebacker Roquan Smith, who was taken eighth overall by Chicago Bears.

Sam Darnold played his college career at USC, leading the program to 2017 Rose Bowl in his first year as a starter. Darnold played 27 games for USC, completing 64.9 of his passes for 7,229 passing yards and 57 touchdowns.

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