As the Jets continue their search for a general manager, the team will move into Phase 3 of offseason workouts Tuesday at the Atlantic Health Training Center. Over the next four weeks, the Green & White are scheduled to have 10 voluntary OTAs (organized team activities) in addition to a mandatory three-day minicamp from June 4-6.

For the first time this spring, team drills (offense vs. defense) will be permitted but there will continue to be restrictions on live contact and one-on-one drills. There are many on-the-field storylines to follow before the team breaks in mid-June and they include:

1. Darnold Emblematic of a New Day

The Jets appear to have found their long-term and short-term answer at quarterback in Sam Darnold. The second-year passer, who will turn 22 during OTAs, thrived late last season. But he is learning his third offense in as many years, so all this spring work will be invaluable for the signal-caller who has already thoroughly impressed his head coach.

"I like the way he works and I love the way he studies. The way he throws the ball is very impressive," said Adam Gase of Darnold. "He just naturally, when he rolls out of bed, he could sling that thing, and it is fun to be around how intense he is every day trying to make sure he gets better. I think really, for us, it is going to be about how far can we take it. Can we keep all of our guys healthy that he is working with? Can we keep building chemistry? And if we do that, then that's going to give us a really good shot to have a good year."

2. Growing Into a Leadership Role

Despite operating a new offense under Gase and offensive coordinator/QB coach Dowell Loggains, you can expect Darnold to take more command on the field and in the locker room. He proved his mettle as a rookie, displaying blue-collar gritty qualities in the way he battled. Darnold is a gamer who knows the lay of the land after coming in fresh out of USC. Don't confuse the California cool with the passion that rages in the hyper-competitive SoCal native.