Jets trade Sam Darnold to Panthers, confirming quarterback draft plans

The New York Jets were always expected to draft a quarterback with the No. 2 pick but trading Sam Darnold to the Panthers all but confirms their plans.

The New York Jets were expected to be in the market for a top quarterback after last season, and their latest move confirms what we have been anticipating. On Monday, the franchise traded former No. 3 overall pick, Sam Darnold, to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for draft picks, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

This can only mean one thing. With the second pick in the 2021 NFL Draft: The New York Jets select a quarterback.

From the outside scope, it is likely to be BYU’s Zach Wilson. On the flip side, the Carolina Panthers are in a situation where they can move back from their top 10 selection and recoup some of the capital they gave up to acquire Darnold.

The New York Jets and Carolina Panthers made this move strictly to address their quarterback positions.

If you are the New York Jets or even the Carolina Panthers, you don’t make this move unless you believe that your quarterback position is solidified. Right now, it isn’t, and both sides need addressing. Sam Darnold had his moments in New York, but throughout his tenure, the ghosts of sub-par play meant that he was due a fresh start.

Though Teddy Bridgewater played quite well under Matt Rhule, the Panthers felt they needed an upgrade, and thus they gave up the assets. In contrast, Robert Saleh is in charge now with the Jets, and he will need a fresh face at the quarterback position to help reshape the team.

The New York Jets have made their decision, and come draft night; there will be a new quarterback that will don green. On the other hand, Carolina has a decision to make, and only time will tell as to what they do moving forward.