Can the New York Jets Become a Decent Futures Bet in 2021?

The New York Jets started a franchise-worst 0-13 and finished with one of the worst records in franchise history at 2-14. They were inept on offense (again). Teams decimated their defense (again). And they had a coach whose awkward and bizarre press conferences often overshadowed his coaching abilities. 

So, why on Earth would you consider the New York Jets for a futures bet? And why would you even think about it, especially when two AFC East teams won double-digit games in 2020 and the New England Patriots still exerted their dominance over Gang Green? Not to mention, the Patriots have about 10 players returning from IR and opt-outs from 2020, making things even more bleak for the Jets. 

Today’s post will shed light on the Jets if you just so happen to be an aggressive bettor thinking about doing the unthinkable—betting on the New York Jets.

In Robert the New York Jets Trust

The New York Jets have put their trust in one of the brightest defensive minds in football: Robert Saleh got the head coaching gig. And even following the down-year his San Francisco 49ers faced, he still had one of the league’s better units. It’s a testament to him, considering the injuries. 

And Saleh is bringing with him a promising young former passing and offensive assistant in Mike LaFleur from San Francisco to coordinate the Jets’ offense. If the name sounds familiar, it’s because Mike is the younger brother of Green Bay Packers head coach, Matt LaFleur. 

At the very least, the absolute least, the Jets have a solid coaching staff in place. They made their worst head coaching hire since the hiring of Rich Kotite when they brought on Gase. The disaster that followed is a testament. 

And not only has Saleh solidified himself as an authority throughout the NFL, he has experience in helping build a team who once had the second overall pick into a Super Bowl contender the very next season. That team, the 2019 San Francisco 49ers, made the Super Bowl. 

Many correlations exist between Saleh and what he had gone through with the San Francisco 49ers. And that alone should tell you these may not be the same old New York Jets, who have won just two AFC East titles since 1970. 

What If the New York Jets Build Around Sam Darnold?

There are two scenarios the Jets can undergo at the time of writing in March 2021. They can continue to build around Sam Darnold and give him a chance to develop into the third overall pick they thought they were getting. 

Or they can trade him and build around someone like Zach Wilson or Justin Fields, perhaps even Trey Lance or Mac Jones. Yeah, if they went 1-15, they shoulda, coulda, woulda had a chance to draft Trevor Lawrence. And if they had the first pick, Darnold’s would be in another city now. 

But they did the most New York Jets thing ever and knocked themselves out of the Lawrence sweepstakes by winning. This left them with the massive drop off at the position that is Wilson, Fields, Lance, and Jones. 

And if the Jets feel the same, then they’re building around Sam Darnold. For the purpose of this subheading, let’s assume the Jets build around Darnold. 

What do they do with the second pick?

With so many holes, it would be in their best interests to trade down and accumulate more picks. Unless they have their eye on someone with the second pick. Chances are, they’re not taking a quarterback if Darnold is still on the roster come late April.

But if he is, expect a quarterback controversy, and it’s probably best to stay as far away from betting on the Jets as humanly possible. But if they take the sensible route and draft someone like receiver Ja’Marr Chase or tackle Penei Sewell with the second pick, their stock just increased. 

Trading down is probably the smartest idea. The 2021 Draft Class is beyond deep, so the more picks the better. Even if they trade out of the top 10, they’re still getting a fantastic talent or two. So, remember that if they hold onto Darnold and trade down. 

Gang Green’s fan base may not like it. But it’s by far the best thing a team with so many holes can do. Give the 2020 Jets credit. They were terrible at the right time, even if they still lost out on the Lawrence sweepstakes. 

If the Jets stockpile picks or take the marquee tackle or receiver, chances are they can at least threaten an over/under. Winning the division remains an uphill battle. But this team can at least make things interesting, especially when combined with the new coaching staff. 

What If the New York Jets Build Around Another Quarterback?

Okay, now, let’s imagine the Jets trade or even release Darnold. We know they’re staying at the second overall spot, and most mock drafts have them taking Zach Wilson. 

But here’s the truth on the remaining quarterbacks in this class.

Wilson only had one good season at BYU. Most one-year wonders plummet in the NFL. Trey Lance hasn’t played in over a year, and he played at North Dakota State. It’s not exactly the top school when you’re looking for NFL prospects to bet on. 

Teams exposed Justin Fields as Ohio State’s truncated season wore on. And Mac Jones, like all quarterbacks at Alabama, played for the best program in the country. Is he for real? Or is he just a gadget in a successful system?

Lawrence is receiving top grades, higher than even Peyton Manning—Or at least rivaling him. And he’s behind Stanford products, John Elway and Andrew Luck. So, you can see the dropoff the Jets will face if they cut ties with Darnold. 

Since the Jets are rebuilding with a new regime, this is the most probable scenario. Saleh may want his own guy. And Darnold may want a fresh start. Over his three-year career, Darnold has shown flashes of brilliance. 

And if he goes to a team with a solid defense and pass-catching unit, Darnold may thrive. So, chances are, the Jets let him go. 

If that happens, expect the Jets’ rebuild to take longer. With Darnold, they may be just a few players from being a halfway-decent offense who could win over four games. Without Darnold, they will be lucky to win four games in 2021, especially since they will face a massive learning curve at the quarterback position.

Chances are, the Jets sign a veteran like Ryan Fitzpatrick or Tyrod Taylor, who may need to keep the seat warm while the rook adjusts to the game. 

And this will cost the Jets some wins. 

The New York Jets Are Still the Weak Sister

And of course, no matter what happens, the New York Jets are still dwelling in the AFC East’s cellar. It’s just hard to place a solid futures bet on a team that must contend with the Buffalo Bills plus the upstart Miami Dolphins. 

You can also never count out the New England Patriots. And even if the Pats embark on yet another 7-9 campaign, they continue to make life difficult for the Jets. So, if you place a futures bet on the Jets, do so with caution, and it’s probably best to keep your dollar amount small. 

Odds will remain stacked against them for some time. 

Also, with new regimes in place come new systems, approaches, and personnel changes. During Saleh’s time with the 49ers, they already had a system and regime in place. Saleh isn’t getting this with the Jets. He’s bringing in the winning system and culture. 

And while he can succeed if given time, odds are that it won’t happen within one season unless the Bills and Dolphins fall back to Earth. And because each team has a system in place, personnel, and solid NFL quarterbacks, you can bet that it won’t happen. 

Again, even if the Patriots struggle again in 2021, they will likely remain lightyears ahead of the Jets—not that the Jets will be so bad that they’ll land the number one overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. But they’re beyond a longshot to go anywhere in 2021. So, if you bet, don’t bet the house. Be reasonable. And don’t expect to get much in return here. 

Conclusion

The New York Jets have a few things going for them, including a winning coaching staff. But they also face the dilemma of continuing with Sam Darnold or starting over from scratch with a new quarterback. Regardless, don’t look for the Jets to become rockstars overnight. 

They must still contend with the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and New England Patriots—all of whom have tried-and-true systems in place that are working wonders for them. So, if you’re one who is looking to divide teams into Bulls or Bears, place the Jets in the Bear column, at least for this season. 

What are your thoughts? Can Robert Saleh do the impossible and turn the Jets around in a single season? And if you believe so, are you taking the risk and placing a bet here? Let us know in the comments.