The New York Jets drafted Darnold (6-3, 225) out of USC with the No. 3 overall pick in 2018. He completed 82-of-140 attempts (58.6 percent) for 1,143 yards with seven touchdowns and three interceptions through six starts with the Panthers last season, per Pro Football Reference.
The veteran quarterback spent part of the 2022 season on injured reserve due to a high-ankle sprain but started the season's final six games. Both Lance and Purdy are returning from injuries for the 49ers. Lance suffered a season-ending ankle injury during Week 2 of his 2022 campaign. He should be full-go by organized team activities (OTAs) in May.
In the NFC Championship Game, Purdy suffered a tear of the ulnar collateral ligament (UCL) in his right elbow. He is expected to begin throwing in about three months, followed by a three-month ramp-up period.
Darnold, 25, has completed 59.7 percent of his passes for 11,767 yards with 61 touchdowns and 55 interceptions in 56 game appearances (55 starts) through his five NFL seasons with the Jets and Panthers.
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