Jets have intriguing QB battle

Florham Park, N.J.

The hotshot rookie. The comeback kid. The grizzled veteran.

The New York Jets' quarterback competition is an intriguing mix of experience, charisma and hype with Josh McCown, Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold.

And any of the three could end up under center when the regular season begins in September.

"It's a fun room to be a part of," McCown said Tuesday as the Jets' three-day minicamp began. "Just personally because of the character of those guys, but also professionally because of how they approach their job and what they bring to the table."

McCown is the incumbent starter, so he entered offseason workouts as the No. 1 quarterback on the depth chart.

All three got work with the starting offense Tuesday. McCown, who turns 39 on July 4, got the bulk of the snaps with the starters in team drills. But he's also well aware that he's not the future of the franchise. That label would go to the 21-year-old Darnold, who was the No. 3 overall pick out of USC.

Darnold got the most overall snaps during the team periods and showed his usual quick release, including a terrific pass that zipped past defenders and into the hands of tight end Eric Tomlinson for a touchdown. He was also nearly intercepted by rookie Parry Nickerson on a throw intended for tight end Jordan Leggett.

But Darnold has shown steady improvement in the short time he has been with the Jets.

"Every day, I feel like he goes out and gets better," McCown said. "I think for all of us, but particularly young players, you're discovering something new every time you step on the field. ... Being that's the stage he's in, he's learning a lot about these plays and the ins and outs of them, so he's done a good job with that."

Darnold will have the chance to win the job, but he insists that's not his focus at the moment.

"That's not up to me," Darnold said. "It's really a coaching decision. I'm going to come in here and work every single day. I'm just going to work and grow to be the best quarterback I can be and help this team do well."

When asked if he believes that opportunity is within his grasp, the rookie said all the right things.

"Yeah, I mean, I would say anything is possible," Darnold said. "I think I'm capable of a lot of things."

Bridgewater can't be ruled out, however, especially with the way he has looked throughout the offseason.

The 25-year-old quarterback who signed a one-year deal with the Jets is still working his way back from a severe knee injury that threatened his career nearly two years ago. But he has shown no ill effects or limitations in the non-contact practices while wearing a brace on his left knee. Bridgewater has also looked good commanding the offense, including making some throws on the run.