The New York Jets have traded their former #3 overall draft pick, QB Sam Darnold, to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for their 6th round draft pick this year, in addition to 2nd and 4th round draft picks in 2022. Darnold, 23, the highest selected QB by the Jets since Joe Namath, has worn out his welcome in New York after three unproductive seasons. He finishes his Jets career with 8,097 passing yards, 45 touchdowns, 39 interceptions and a modest 78.6 QB rating.
Now that Darnold is gone, there's absolutely no doubt that the Gang Green are going to stay put at #2 overall and most likely select QB Zach Wilson of BYU as their next franchise signal caller.
Darnold has one year remaining on his rookie contract, with guaranteed salary and bonuses totaling $4.6M. The Panthers must decide on his 5th year option for 2022 by May 3. He was due to count $9.8M on the Jets' cap, but they will get $4.8M in relief and carry $5M of "dead" money in 2021.