Jets GM Joe Douglas wishes Sam Darnold well after trade to Panthers
Sam Darnold’s time with the New York Jets is officially up.
The Jets agreed to trade Darnold to the Carolina Panthers Monday in exchange for a 2021 sixth-round draft pick, a 2022 second-round draft pick, and a 2022 fourth-round draft pick, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. The Panthers will pick up Darnold’s fifth-year option, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.
Jets general manager Joe Douglas released a statement following the trade to personally thank Darnold for his contributions to the organization.
“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,” Douglas said. “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.”
Darnold didn’t have much help, but he never lived up to high expectations after being drafted third overall out of USC in 2018. He missed time in each of his three seasons with the Jets and didn’t perform well when he was on the field. Darnold threw for 8,097 yards, 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions to go along with a 59.8 percent completion percentage in 38 games. He went 13-25 as a starter.
The fact that Darnold wasn’t drafted by Douglas, but rather former Jets general manager Mike Maccagnan, couldn’t have helped. Maccagnan moved up to draft Darnold after a trade with the Indianapolis Colts.
Now Douglas will get the opportunity to bring in his own quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL draft.
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