New York Jets Trade Sam Darnold To The Carolina Panthers
Sam Darnold has plenty to smile about! Yesterday, the New York Jets traded him to the Carolina Panthers. In return, the Jets got a 2021 sixth-round pick, a 2022 second-round pick and a 2022 fourth-round pick. This trade officially ends the Darnold era with the Jets and now the Jets are most likely picking a quarterback in this month’s draft. But, what does this mean for the Panthers as well? Are they moving on from Teddy Bridgewater? What’s next for both organizations?
The announcement
Can confirm pic.twitter.com/ZdeVPH2KAT
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 5, 2021
It has been rumored for awhile now that Sam Darnold was going to be traded. The only question was where. Now, we all have that answer. The Panthers didn’t have to give up much to get him which would make you think how eager the Jets were to trade Darnold. It just seemed like they were ready to move on from Darnold. Is this a good trade? Yes, this is a 50-50 trade. The Panthers get their future quarterback and the Jets get more draft picks to build their team. This is a win-win trade. A rare win for the Jets since they don’t get those often.
What’s next for Carolina
Move it, football head‼️ pic.twitter.com/RXQhDZhz5w
— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 5, 2021
First things first, whoever runs the Panthers Twitter account deserves a raise. They were on a roll yesterday. But, with Sam Darnold on the roster what is Carolina’s next move? They have the eighth pick in the draft and now will most likely not take a quarterback. They could take an offensive linemen to have extra protection, or they could maybe bolster their defense. That’s what the Panthers should do. But what about the quarterback position?
Teddy Bridgewater’s future in Carolina
Following the trade for Sam Darnold, the #Panthers spoke with QB Teddy Bridgewater and allowed him the opportunity to talk with teams to potentially facilitate a trade, sources say. Carolina is open to Bridgewater returning, but will give him a chance to have a say in his future.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 6, 2021
Remember Teddy Bridgewater? He was the Panthers quarterback last season. With this trade it appears Carolina is ready to move on from him. Is that the right move? Only time will tell but most likely yes. Darnold never had an opportunity to shine in New York since the Jets lack… everything. Bridgewater is expected to move on from Carolina and play elsewhere. At this time it’s not known if Bridgewater has a list of teams he’s interested in but soon enough he most likely will be playing for a new team next season. Wherever he goes, he will want to be the starter since he has proven that he has the ability to be a starting quarterback.
Panthers new and improved offense
Sam Darnold is only 23 years old.
He enters a situation where he'll be coached by Matt Rhule and Joe Brady and has Christian McCaffrey, DJ Moore, and old friend Robby Anderson as weapons. A much-needed fresh start.
And the #Panthers are scheduled to face the #Jets next season.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) April 5, 2021
Sam Darnold makes the Carolina offense better. Darnold already has a connection with Robby Anderson since they were teammates in New York. DJ Moore is one of the most underrated wide receivers in the league and obviously there’s Christian McCaffrey, a top running back in the league. This offense is set to have a massive explosion next season. Watch out for the Carolina Panthers.
What about the Jets?
#Jets picks:
2021: No. 2, No. 23, No. 34, No. 66, No. 86, No. 107, No. 146, No. 154, No. 186, No. 226
2022: 1st, 1st, 2nd, 2nd, 3rd, 4th, 5th, 5th, 6th, 6th, 6th.
Unlike the last regime, Joe Douglas has been patient and wants to build via the draft. He's locked and loaded.
— NFL Update (@MySportsUpdate) April 5, 2021
The Jets have draft capital. The last team that had draft capital like this were the Miami Dolphins. So far, it hasn’t fully worked out yet for the Dolphins but they’re getting there. As for the Jets, it’s quite obvious what they’re thinking at the second overall pick in the draft. But what about the rest? They defintely will get help on the offensive line and they’ll get receivers. The Jets future looks bright and it’s all because of general manager Joe Douglas. Way to go Joe, you might’ve saved the Jets future!
Final Thoughts
Just when I thought I had a clear idea for my final mock draft picks a trade happens… *sigh* back to the lab I go pic.twitter.com/jJTGsBSq3x
— Matty B (@mattthew_jordan) April 5, 2021
This trade is a game changer. The Panthers have their future quarterback, and the Jets continue to build their draft capital. Plus, Teddy Bridgewater will most likely be playing elsewhere next season. This trade is a win-win for everybody and this is yet another trade that makes draft analysts since Carolina most likley isn’t taking a quarterback anymore. This is the second trade that affects the first round, it wouldn’t be surprising if we see another team make a trade to would shake up the first round. It’s yet another exciting time in the NFL.
-Matt Burnett (@mattthew_jordan on Twitter)