“Making a mistake” – Sam Darnold’s last words when he was shown the door by the New York Jets in 2021

“Making a mistake” – Sam Darnold’s last words when he was shown the door by the New York Jets in 2021

Sam Darnold

The New York Jets decided to move on from their 2018 No.3 draft pick Sam Darnold which didn’t come as a surprise to anyone. The Jets let go of Darnold in favor of drafting Zach Wilson.

However, it wasn’t a mutual breakup between Darnold and the Jets as the quarterback had some harsh things to say to the management for deciding to trade him.

“It is what it is” – Sam Darnold wasn’t happy when the Jets traded him to the Panthers in 2021

Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold

In an appearance on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast hosted by Titans left tackle Taylor Lewan and free agent linebacker Will Compton, Darnold said he told the Jets they were “making a mistake” by sending him to Carolina to draft a new QB. “At the end of the day, it’s not my call,” Darnold said, via David Newton of ESPN. “If they don’t think I’m the guy, it is what it is.”

Sam Darnold was selected third overall by the Jets in the 2018 NFL draft. The 2018 class of QBs was touted to be one of the best classes in modern history. The class included Baker Mayfield at No.1, Lamar Jackson at 32 to the Ravens, and Josh Allen at No.7 by the Bills. Of this supposed great class only Josh Allen has managed to make his mark along with Lamar Jackson who had an MVP season in 2019.

After being traded to the Carolina Panthers, he still struggled to find his footing as he only completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 2,527 yards with nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions. Darnold carries a career interception rate of 3.2 percent, tossing 54 touchdowns to 52 picks in 50 appearances with 49 starts. He’s also lost 11 of his 29 career fumbles.

Sam Darnold
Sam Darnold

This mundane display by a No.3 pick has put Darnold in a similar position with the Panthers. Carolina is bringing in six of the top quarterbacks in this year’s incoming rookie class for a pre-draft visit. But Darnold said in the same interview that if the Panthers decide to go with another QB for the 2022 season, he’s sure another team will be lining up to sign him as he’s proven to be a good quarterback.

The stats do not bolster Darnold’s claim and it’s hard not to argue that the Panthers should be looking elsewhere to find the right guy for the job. It’ll be interesting to see whether Sam Darnold finds success in the NFL.

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