The former University of South Carolina quarterback Sam Darnold parted ways with the New York Jets on Monday. The former 2018 3rd overall pick was traded to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a 2022 2nd round and 4th round pick along with a 2021 6th round pick this summer.

The 23-year-old endured a tough start to his NFL career thus far. In 38 starts, Darnold has a 13-25-0 for the Jets. He has thrown for 8,000+ yards with 45 passing TDs against 39 interceptions during his 3-year stay in the Big Apple.

But he will hope to improve on that tally after signing with Matt Rhule’s Carolina Panthers this week.

ALSO READ- Will Sam Darnold Revive His Career With the Carolina Panthers?

New York Jets part ways with Sam Darnold as they prepare for Zach Wilson

Speaking to the press earlier today, New York Jets GM Joe Douglas opened up on his team’s thought process behind making the Sam Darnold call.

He stressed that if the organization had a lower draft pick assigned, they might have stuck with Darnold at least for another year. “Having the No. 2 pick, I think it’s safe to say if our pick was a little bit later we wouldn’t be having this discussion right now.

“We’d be comfortable moving ahead with Sam….(but) ultimately we felt that wouldn’t be the best situation for Sam, the rookie quarterback, coach Saleh, his staff and the locker room,” Douglas said via SNY’s Ralph Vacchiano.

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Having said that, Joe Douglas also confirmed that the Jets are closely monitoring the progress of BYU prospect, Zach Wilson. The starry-eyed quarterback threw for 3,692 yards with 33 passing TDs against just 3 interceptions last year. He has reportedly overtaken Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Mac Jones in quarterback ranking at the upcoming draft.

But there is still some time left before teams across the league zero in on their respective targets. This could be a crucial season for the new Head Coach, Robert Saleh. Can he kickstart a new era for the Jets with someone like Wilson or Fields? Watch this space for more.

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