Sam Darnold To The Carolina Panthers
Just three years after drafting Sam Darnold as the franchise quarterback, the New York Jets have traded their QB to the Carolina Panthers. In return for Darnold, the Jets have received three draft picks: 6th rounder in 2021, 2nd and 4th rounder in 2022.
The NY Jets who drafted Darnold 3rd overall in the 2018 draft, now find themselves without any viable candidates on the roster. The expectation is that the Jets will be drafting a QB with the 2nd overall pick in this upcoming draft.
(Image credit – clutchpoints.com)
With Clemson’s Trevor Lawrence expected to be taken 1st overall, the rumors have begun swirling about BYU’s Zach Wilson as a potential successor to Darnold.
While the Jets seem to be in the driver’s seat with the upcoming draft, it has been reported that the organization was split on the decision to move on from Darnold.
“I want to publicly acknowledge the commitment, dedication, and professionalism Sam displayed while with the Jets,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said in a statement released by the team. “He is a tough-minded, talented football player whose NFL story has not been written yet. While all these things are true, this move is in the short- and long-term best interests for both this team and him. We thank Sam for all of his work on behalf of this organization and wish him well as he continues his career.”
(Image credit – espn.com)
Sam Darnold and Robby Anderson Connection in Carolina
The Carolina Panthers were rumored to be looking for a replacement for starting quarterback Teddy Bridgewater since the conclusion of last season. Earlier in free agency, the Panthers unsuccessfully attempted to trade Bridgewater and the No. 8 pick to the Detroit Lions for Matthew Stafford.
With Stafford eventually moving to the LA Rams, the Panthers next set their sights on Darnold.
Darnold who showed a lot of promise in his rookie season, regressed under the Adam Gase regime. While Darnold did struggle over the last few years, his impact when Robby Anderson was on the Jets was better.
Out of Darnold’s 45 total TDs in his career, 11 of them have been to Robbie Anderson.
