As if it wasn’t already suspected, it was all but confirmed on Monday that the New York Jets will used a top-three pick for the second time in three years on a quarterback.
The Jets, who own the second overall pick sent 2018’s third overall pick Sam Darnold to Carolina. The Panthers will receive a 2021 sixth-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick, and a 2022 fourth-round pick.
After announcing the trade, the Panthers also announced that they would be picking up the fifth-year option on Darnold’s contract.
Darnold started just 38 games in his three season in New York, going 13-25. The 23-year old signal caller has thrown 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions, completing just 59.8% of passes.
Via March ADP, Darnold was being selected as QB27 in the 18th round of standard dynasty startups. In SuperFlex startups, Darnold was the QB26, a fifth round pick.
Darnold will reunite with Robby Anderson in Carolina. Anderson caught 88 passes for 1,353 yards and 11 touchdowns in two seasons in New York.
The Panthers offense will be the best Darnold has played with in the NFL with Anderson, DJ Moore, Christian McCaffrey.
The trade clears a path for the Panthers to address other needs with the eighth overall pick. This is a likely scenario for Florida tight end Kyle Pitts if he is still on the board when they pick.
Of course, Darnold still will have to beat out incumbent Teddy Bridgewater. Bridgewater threw for 3,733 yards, 15 touchdowns and 11 interceptions in 15 games last year.
