The New York Jets have traded quarterback Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, as well as second- and fourth-round picks in 2022. The trade was first reported by Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Filed to ESPN: Jets trading QB Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers for a 2021 sixth-round pick and second- and fourth-round picks in 2022, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 5, 2021
The 2021 NFL draft is expected to begin with three straight quarterbacks after the San Francisco 49ers traded up to the No. 3 pick last week. Had the Panthers wanted to get into range for the fourth quarterback in this class, they would’ve had to trade with the Atlanta Falcons at No. 4. There’s no chance a trade like that would happen within the division.
Instead, the Panthers opted for Darnold, who’s been a significant disappointment after three seasons in New York. A change of scenery should benefit Darnold, who was the third overall pick of the 2018 draft. At just 23 years old, his ceiling remains high, and if any coaching staff can get the most out of him, it’s Matt Rhule and the Panthers’.
