Jets Rookie QB Sam Darnold Continues Contract Talks As Training Camp Opens Without Him

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. (AP) — There was no sign of Sam Darnold as the New York Jets opened training camp.

The No. 3 overall draft pick officially became a contract holdout when the team began its first practice of the summer Friday without its prized rookie quarterback.

“He’s not here,” coach Todd Bowles said, “so I’m coaching the other (89) guys.”

Darnold joins Chicago linebacker Roquan Smith, the No. 8 choice, as the only unsigned picks from the entire draft.

Under the NFL’s labor agreement, contract holdouts by rookies are uncommon because deals are slotted based on draft position. Darnold will receive a four-year, fully guaranteed contract worth $30.247 million, including a $20 million signing…