Sam Darnold arranges a Florida workout with new receivers, source confirms

Sam Darnold will be throwing to some of his new weapons for the first time this weekend.

The Jets' third-year quarterback is arranging a workout in Florida with some skill players, a league source confirmed. Darnold did the same thing last year, hosting a group of players at his high school in California.

Because of the COVID-19 pandemic, teams have not been able to meet or train together and hold their usual OTAs and minicamps. Practice facilities have opened recently but with restrictions and limitations. The Jets have been conducting a virtual offseason program, which will conclude this week. Training camp is scheduled to begin at the end of July.

This organized three-day training session will give Darnold a chance to get to know and build chemistry with some of his new teammates and get more comfortable with some returning players.

Darnold has been working out in California and said it’s been difficult trying to connect with his teammates. They’ve texted, Face-Timed and spoke during meetings, but now they will have a chance to work out together in person.

Free-agent signee Breshad Perriman and second-round pick Denzel Mims are expected to be among the players attending Darnold’s workout, as is returning receiver Jamison Crowder, who was with Darnold in California last year. Running backs Le’Veon Bell, and recently signed Frank Gore already live or train in southern Florida and also are expected to take part, as is tight end Chris Herndon. Some Jets backup quarterbacks will be there as well.

For Darnold this is another step in his growth and development as a leader. This is Year 2 playing in Adam Gase’s system, and Darnold feels comfortable running it.

“Being second year in the system I might help out some guys more often than I would have last year because I was still getting comfortable and trying to understand things as best I can,” Darnold said last month. “Right now, I think it’s about continuing to do what I’ve been doing.

"As you grow those things kind of happen naturally. I don’t plan on doing anything different. As I grow and mature and continue to be the quarterback for this organization, I’m going to continue to mold into the leader that I’m going to become.”

This is also a positive step for the Jets as they try to end a nine-year playoff drought. A big key for them, however, will be how quickly the players in front of Darnold mesh. General manager Joe Douglas made revamping the offensive line a priority. The Jets will have a completely different starting front five than they did in Week 1 last year.