BREAKING: New York Jets Trade Sam Darnold to Carolina Panthers

The New York Jets have traded franchise quarterback Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers for three draft picks, including a second-round pick in 2022

Max Goodman | Apr 5, 2021

The Sam Darnold era in New York is officially over.

New York has dealt their beleaguered starting quarterback to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2021 along with a second- and fourth-round picks in 2022, as first reported by ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Jets confirmed the trade with a post on social media moments later.

"I want to publicly acknowledge the commitment, dedication, and professionalism Sam displayed while with the Jets. He is a tough-minded, talented football player whose NFL story has not been written yet," said Jets GM Joe Douglas in a statement released by New York. "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."

This trade comes after months of speculation regarding Darnold's future in green and white. The former third-overall selection out of USC has struggled mightily in his first three seasons with the Jets, regressing to new lows with New York in 2020.

Now, Douglas and new head coach Robert Saleh add three additional picks to their surplus of draft capital, great value for a 23-year-old quarterback that will now assume the starting duties in Carolina.

Parting ways with Darnold also—in all likelihood—confirms that the Jets will use the No. 2 pick in this month's NFL draft to select a quarterback. All signs pointed to New York taking BYU star Zach Wilson after New York's brass was in attendance for his pro day just days ago. Seems like the organization's internal evaluations pointed toward a quarterback from this year's draft class being a better long-term option under center.

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Published Apr 5, 2021

MAX GOODMAN

Max Goodman covers the New York Jets for Sports Illustrated and FanNation. He also covers the New York Yankees, publisher of Sports Illustrated and FanNation's Yankees site, Inside The Pinstripes. Before starting out with SI, Goodman attended Northwestern University and the Medill School of Journalism. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Broadcast Journalism and Master’s Degree in Sports Media, graduating in 2019. While at school, Goodman gathered valuable experience as an anchor and reporter on NNN SportsNight and played on the club baseball team. Goodman previously interned at MLB.com as an associate reporter covering the Miami Marlins. He also interned with ESPN, working as an associate reporter on Mike Greenberg's Get Up. Goodman is from New York City. He grew up in Hell's Kitchen. Follow Goodman on Twitter @MaxTGoodman and connect with him via email by reaching out at maxgoodmansports@gmail.com.