Sam Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers by the Jets last week, as they look to the draft to rebuild their franchise. Darnold admitted that he was excited about his new opportunity but was also sad to bid New York adieu after only 3 years.
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Sam Darnold was drafted 3rd overall by the Jets in the 2018 draft and was instantly coined the savior for the franchise. However, after only 3 seasons, the Jets decided that it was time to move on from the former USC star. Darnold’s failure in New York could also be because of a dysfunctional organisation led by an inept head coach in Adam Gase.
Darnold and the Jets went a horrible 2-14 in the 2020 season, as Darnold ended it with the worst QBR among all eligible QB’s. Darnold threw for 9 touchdowns and 11 interceptions, ending the season with just about 2200 yards in 12 games.
Sam Darnold opened up on his time in New York
“To go from being unwanted to being wanted is huge,” Darnold said, according to the Panthers’ team website. “Getting that news that you’re going to be traded, of a team saying, ‘Hey, we didn’t want you,” for whatever reason, is hard. But right now, I feel great about it, and I’m excited to get here, and get started.”
“Those conversations were tough. I imagined I was going to be the franchise quarterback of the New York Jets for a long time,” Darnold said. “And once you realize that the team that drafted you is moving on, it stings a little bit.”
“There’s a little bit of both — relief and excitement,” Darnold said. “There’s been so much uncertainty this offseason, not knowing what your future was going to look like, that was hard. But now that I’m in Charlotte, I’m excited, and yeah, I guess I am kind of relieved to be here.
“The culture that’s being set here is amazing. That’s probably the part that intrigues me the most about this.”
Darnold will look to come back stronger in 2021, as he looks to be the current starter for the Panthers for next season. He certainly possesses the talent to succeed. Hopefully we can see Sam Darnold revamp his career at a different team like QB Ryan Tannehill did at Tennessee.
Also Read: Teddy Bridgewater Next Team: Top 3 landing spots for QB Teddy Bridgewater after Sam Darnold trade.
