Sam Darnold, back at Jets training camp, embraces challenge of winning starting QB job

Andy Vasquez | NorthJersey

Show Caption Hide Caption Video: NY Jets QB Sam Darnold talks about returning from holdout Jets QB Sam Darnold talks to reporters for the first time since signing his rookie contract and ending his holdout, on Wednesday, Aug. 1, 2018.

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - Sam Darnold has been on the field for only two of the New York Jets' first five training camp practices.

But Darnold said Wednesday he didn't regret the way his contract situation played out. In fact, he says he feels mostly caught up and is setting his sights on an ambitious goal for the preseason: winning the starting quarterback job.

"Obviously, that's a coach's decision," Darnold said. "The competitor in me, yeah, I want to start. But at the same time it's about the team and whatever's best for the team."

Darnold knows that winning the starting job won't be easy. He's going up against last year's starter in Josh McCown and a former Pro Bowler in Teddy Bridgewater.

"With Josh and Teddy, it's a huge challenge," Darnold said. "But at the end of the day they know it's a coach's decision. I'm just going to come out here every day and practice and control what I can control, do what I can to possibly earn that start, but at the same time try to get better every day, I think that's what it's about."

But for the first few days of training camp, the focus was about getting a contract done. Darnold was in the area for the holdout, staying at a hotel that is less than a quarter mile away from the Jets' practice facility.

To stay sharp for the five days he was unsigned, Darnold worked out in the team's fitness center and threw on the field at a nearby high school. His agency, CAA, provided some receivers to catch Darnold's passes.

Darnold still had access to the Jets' football operations system through his iPad, so he kept up to speed by watching film of the practices he missed.

"It was tough watching them," Darnold said."But at the same time I knew it [the holdout] was necessary."

Darnold was asked directly if he regretted the holdout and the way things turned out.

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"I thought it played out great," he said. "But honestly, I think with the way that everything worked out, that's why I have great agents, because they were able to figure that stuff out. And whenever I get back on the field, that's my job and my job is to play football to the best of my ability."

When Darnold did return to the field, he endured a little playful ribbing from his teammates. The welcomed him to Monday's practice with a coordinated slow clap.

"That was awesome to be able to be a part of that, not really expecting anything and then them doing that," Darnold said. "It kind of pushed everything - me not showing up to camp on time and being late - it kind of pushed all that to the side and it just made me feel comfortable and made me feel part of the team."