The Jets parted ways with quarterback Sam Darnold, exchanging him with the Carolina Panthers for a sixth round choice in the NFL’s 2021 draft, in addition to the second and fourth round choices in the NFL’s 2022 draft, pending a physical examination. .
“I want to publicly acknowledge the commitment, dedication and professionalism that Sam showed while he was with the Jets. He is a talented and obstinate football player, whose history in the NFL has not yet been written,” said Jets GM Joe Douglas. “While all of these things are true, this change is in the short and long term interest for this team and for him. We thank Sam for all of his work on behalf of this organization and wish him the best in his career.”
The switch ends Darnold’s stay with Green & White after three seasons. The Jets moved from sixth overall choice to third place in the 2018 NFL Draft in a negotiation with Indianapolis, sending three second-round choices to the Colts so they could take Darnold out of the USC to be their new starter.
Darnold completed 239 of 414 passes (57.7%) in his debut season for 2,865 yards, 17 TDs and 15 INTs, all for a rating of 77.6 passers in the year. He and his attack scored 76 points in two consecutive home wins over Denver and Indianapolis, and led his first recovery in the fourth quarter with a 27-23 victory in 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 a score of 84.3. He has won seven overall wins and six in the last eight games, triumphs that included four touchdown passes in Washington, return home wins over the Giants and Dolphins, and five wins by a scoreboard.
Last season, his line of statistics included 217 of 364 passes (59.6%) for 2,208 yards, nine TDs, 11 INTs and a rating of 72.7. He had a nice 46-yard run for a touchdown – a record for a Jets QB – at Friday Night Football against Denver and averaged 5.9 yards / carry. But Darnold and the Jets failed to gain traction until the 14-15 Games, at the Los Angeles Rams and at home against Cleveland.
For his Jets career, Darnold’s passing line shows 729 of 1,219 passes (59.8%) for 8,097 yards, 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions and a rating of 78.6. He also ran for 417 yards and five touchdowns in 114 races.