How the Kirk Cousins rejection changed everything for the Jets

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. -- It was the "no" that turned into a "yes!" (Marv Albert voice).

After being spurned by free-agent quarterback Kirk Cousins in March, the New York Jets made a quick pivot and took the road that eventually led them to Sam Darnold. Initially stung by the Cousins rejection -- he seemingly used them to leverage the Minnesota Vikings -- the Jets are now so over that chapter. In their minds, he's a distant Cousins.

"I really don't worry about the guys I don't get," coach Todd Bowles said Monday. "Minnesota got him, and they're happy. We got Sam, and we're happy."

But what if? What if Cousins, who faces the Jets on Sunday at MetLife Stadium, had accepted Gang Green's green?

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