Sam Darnold has 'very fair shot' to start Week 1 for Jets

Rookie Sam Darnold "has a very fair shot" of winning the Jets' starting quarterback job for the regular-season opener, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Darnold, 21, has to keep progressing, and the preseason will be critical for him. But the Jets like what they see; according to the source, he is further along than they thought.

He arrived in camp July 30, signing a four-year contract for the slotted amount of $30.2 million after a three-day dispute over offset language in the deal.

Darnold, drafted third out of USC, is competing against veterans Josh McCown and Teddy Bridgewater for the job.

Jets coach Todd Bowles has said that McCown is the starter, adding that it could change based on the preseason.