After months of speculation, the New York Jets have finally traded former first-round draft choice Sam Darnold, the quarterback who just a few seasons ago was supposed to be the savior for a much maligned franchise.
Darnold moves on to Carolina in exchange for three draft choices. It’s a sixth-rounder this season to go along with a second-round pick and a fourth-round choice in next year’s draft. The deal, coupled with last year’s blockbuster involving safety/linebacker Jamal Adams and sending Leonard Williams to the Giants means the Jets will have a total of 10 picks in top three rounds over the next two seasons.
The Panthers are reportedly exercising Darnolds’ fifth-year option as they try to repair Adam Gase’s damaged goods as the Jets are likely to choose BYU quarterback Zach Wilson as his replacement. According to former NFL great Steve Young, the Jets have already been courting Wilson’s parents during the pre-draft process.