If anyone had any doubts about the New York Jets potentially drafting quarterback Zach Wilson, those doubts might have been erased on Monday. Head coach Robert Saleh and company officially declared that Sam Darnold isn't the future in New York, trading the former No. 3 overall pick to the Carolina Panthers for three draft picks, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.
Filed to ESPN: Jets trading QB Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers for a 2021 sixth-round pick and second- and fourth-round picks in 2022, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 5, 2021
That seemingly locks in Wilson as the No. 2 overall pick. With Trevor Lawrence expected to go No. 1 overall, that will likely leave the San Francisco 49ers with the option of quarterbacks Justin Fields, Trey Lance, or Mac Jones.
At one point, many felt that Darnold might be an option for San Francisco. Of course, that was before the team traded up for the No. 3 overall draft pick with the intention of selecting a quarterback of the future.
The 49ers are expected to hold onto quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo for at least another season, allowing the rookie, whoever he may be, the luxury of sitting and learning for a year.
Darnold, 23, has completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 8,097 yards with 45 touchdowns and 39 interceptions through his three NFL seasons.