The Carolina Panthers have completed a deal to send Sam Darnold their way. The news comes from Ian Rapoport on Twitter.
The deal comes as a shock to some as the Panthers acquire the young quarterback for very little. Previously the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, Darnold’s value has decreased significantly as it takes a sixth and two future picks to pry him away from the Jets.
The Panthers have made it abundantly clear that they have been searching for new signal-callers to replace Teddy Bridgewater. Deshaun Watson has been on their radar this entire offseason, but since the legal issues no one should be willing to make a deal for him. Darnold is still talented and has the ability to be a franchise quarterback, thus dealing for him is smart on the Panthers’ end.
From the Jets’ side, it is clear they are drafting their quarterback of the future with their second overall pick. After such a poor start to his career, moving on from Sam Darnold was the best thing to do. Consequently, a stacked quarterback class makes it even easier for New York. Quarterbacks Zach Wilson, Justin Fields, or Trey Lance should all be on their radar. While I think Wilson is the best, don’t count out the Jets for making a poor decision come draft day.
With Darnold now looking to be their quarterback of the future, will the Panthers try to move Bridgewater? What will the Panthers do with the 8th overall pick? Who do the Jets take at 2nd overall? Many questions still remain to what the two teams will do this offseason. However, both have made their inentions clear as to their quarterback situations.
