The Jets parted ways with quarterback Sam Darnold, and traded him to the Carolina Panthers for a sixth round in the 2021 NFL draft, in addition to the second and fourth rounds in the 2022 NFL draft, pending a physical.
“I want to publicly acknowledge the dedication, dedication and professionalism that Sam displayed during the Jets. He is a hard-nosed, talented football player whose NFL story has not been written yet,” said Joe Douglas, GM’s Jets. . “While all of these things are true, this step is in the short and long term interest of both this team and him. We thank Sam for all his work on behalf of this organization and wish him well as he continues his career.”
The trade ends Darnold’s stay at the Green & White after three seasons. The Jets moved from sixth overall pick to No. 3 in the 2018 NFL Draft in a trade with Indianapolis and sent three second-round picks to the Colts so they could take Darnold out of USC to be their new starter.
Darnold completed 239 of the 414 passes (57.7%) for his rookie season for 2,865 yards, 17 TDs and 15 INTs, all for a 77.6 passer rating on the year. He and his offense scored 76 points in the wins against Denver and Indianapolis, and he led his first return in the fourth quarter for a 27-23 win over Buffalo in Game 13.
His second season showed improvements in key areas as he completed 273 of 441 passes (61.9%) for 3,024 yards, 19 touchdowns, 13 interceptions and an 84.3 rating. He has averaged seven wins and six in the last eight games, victories that have included four strokes in Washington, home games over the Giants and Dolphins and five one-score victories.
Last season, his stat line included 217-of-364 passes (59.6%) for 2,208 yards, nine TDs, 11 INTs and a 72.7 rating. He scrambled for a handsome 46-year-old for a touchdown – a Jets QB record – on Thursday Night Football against Denver and averaged 5.9 yards / carry. But Darnold and the Jets could not gain traction until the Games 14-15 at the Los Angeles Rams and at home against Cleveland.
For his Jets career, Darnold’s pass line reads 729-of-1,219 passes (59.8%) for 8,097 yards, 45 touchdowns and 39 distinctions and a 78.6 rating. He also ran for 417 yards and carried five touchdowns on 114 carries.