The New York Jets have now made it clear that they are going to draft their new franchise quarterback later this April.
Yesterday, the Jets traded Sam Darnold to the Panthers in exchange for three picks — a 2021 6th rounder, 2022 2nd rounder and 2022 4th rounder.
Both teams now give themselves a clear indication of what the future holds.
For the Jets, they now hold the number two overall pick with a clear mind and focus on who they are going to build their franchise around.
For the Panthers, they enter the draft with their quarterback and thus, may look to acquire more picks by trading back.
But, the question that remains, did the Jets make the right decision by trading Darnold?
Should The New York Jets Have Traded Sam Darnold?
Ever since the offseason commenced, many speculated on the future of Sam Darnold.
With a new head coach in place, not too many were sure if Robert Saleh was going to get his own quarterback or stick with the one who was there when he got the job.
Certainly, the numbers back up getting rid of Darnold and moving on.
Sam Darnold has posted a Total QBR of 46, 46 and 40 in his first 3 seasons.
Since QBR began in 2006, Eli Manning (2016-18) is the only other player to post 3 consecutive seasons with a sub-50 QBR (min. 300 attempts). pic.twitter.com/8suLjYOgpP
— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) April 5, 2021
But, in all fairness, during his tenure in New York, Darnold was never surrounded with elite weapons.
There are two sides of the spectrum.
While New York certainly feels Darnold is talented — as they took him third overall back in 2018 — they seem to be immensely in love with BYU’s Zach Wilson.
We have seen teams do erratic things in the past to get the quarterback they fall in love with.
Whether it be the Rams and Jared Goff or Chicago and Mitch Trubisky, point being that the Jets want Wilson to lead their franchise moving forward.
Only time will tell how that will work out.
For Darnold, he is granted a fresh start with a team that established a culture last year with rookie head coach Matt Rhule.
Darnold will get Joe Brady as his offensive coordinator and will be linked up with Robby Anderson once again.
In 2018-19, Sam Darnold to Robby Anderson on the Jets
88 completions
88.5 comp pct
1341 yds
11 TDs
21 comps of 20+ yards pic.twitter.com/U7wXwhFtwS— Will Bryan (@Pantherstatsguy) April 5, 2021
While the jury is still out on Darnold, Carolina is certainly one of the teams who believes in his long-term future.
Zach Wilson To The Big Apple
For about two years, the league has been in concurrence that Trevor Lawerence will be the number one overall pick when he declares for the NFL Draft.
Well, now that he has, everyone knows that he will be a Jacksonville Jaguar.
Barring any crazy moves, the New York Jets are most likely going to select Zach Wilson.
As for the Jets, this likely means they’re all-in on Zach Wilson, which I obviously approve of. My #1 QB in this draft, feels like I am watching Mahomes again. Exceptional throwing, best arm in the draft, amazing off-schedule.
— Chris Simms (@CSimmsQB) April 5, 2021
Wilson has received comps to both Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson for his arm strength and playmaking ability.
Similar to Chris Simms, many believe Wilson is the best quarterback in this draft.
In fact, at his pro day, he won over a lot of followers after dropping a dime when rolling out.
"That's the throw of the Pro Day season right now."
Zach Wilson showing off 🤫
(via @NFL) pic.twitter.com/Xz2cWdlJV1
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 26, 2021
But, as we know, comps and pro days can get a bit carried away.
Especially, this year where there was no combine due to COVID-19.
Regardless, the Jets appear to be all in on Zach Wilson.
We will see how the future plays out in the Big Apple.
NEXT: Is Zach Wilson The Right QB Choice For The NY Jets?
