With recent trades shaking up this year’s NFL Draft order, the Carolina Panthers decided they could not wait to see if one of this class’ highly-touted quarterbacks would still be available by the time they picked eighth. Â On Monday, the Panthers addressed the much-publicized need at the quarterback position by trading for Sam Darnold. Â In exchange for Darnold, the New York Jets receive 2021 sixth round pick, 2022 second and fourth round picks.
According to Panthers statistician Will Bryan, Darnold linked up with receiver Robby Anderson on 88 completions for 1,341 yards and 11 touchdowns in the 2018 season. Â Additionally, the duo finished the season with an 88.5 completion percentage with 21 of those completions going for 20 yards or more.
The Panthers now have until May 3 to exercise the fifth-year option on Darnold. Â The move would lock in an $18.8 million cap hit per Josh Klein of the Riot Report. Â Darnold was selected third overall by the Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft. Â He enters his fourth season with a career completion percentage of 59.8 and a passer rating of 78.6. Â Darnold has passed for 8.097 yards and 45 touchdowns and thrown 39 interceptions.
