CHARLOTTE – The Panthers landed a first-round quarterback, without waiting to see if one fell to them with the eighth overall pick in this year's draft.
The Panthers added Sam Darnold in a trade with the Jets Monday, acquiring the former No. 3 overall pick in exchange for a late 2021 sixth-rounder and a second and fourth-rounder in 2022.
Doing so now gives the Panthers some flexibility for the draft, and keeping this year's high picks allows the ability to fill another position or positions of need.
While Darnold's play the last three years with the Jets wasn't enough to keep them from considering another quarterback with the No. 2 overall pick this year, there's reason to believe he's worth a shot in a new environment.
Darnold's still just 23 years old (he'll turn 24 in June), and hasn't exactly been in a place conducive to great offensive football.
After his best receiver (Robby Anderson) left in free agency a year ago, Darnold was largely without skill-position weapons, making it harder for any quarterback to succeed.
That shouldn't be a problem in Carolina, as he'll reunite with Anderson and be greeted with Christian McCaffrey and DJ Moore, and a more stable coaching situation as well.
Between his first and second years with the Jets, Darnold went from head coach Todd Bowles to Adam Gase (11-23 in two years in New York). And while Gase has benefitted in the past from his previous association with Peyton Manning, there's more recent evidence of quarterbacks flourishing after parting ways with him. If the Panthers get the kind of production out of Darnold the Titans got out of Ryan Tannehill (who played for Gase in Miami), they'd likely be pleased.
Of course, Darnold also has more career interceptions (39) than games played (38), which is part of the reason he was available, in addition to the Jets having the ability to draft Brigham Young's Zach Wilson.
Darnold has one year left on his rookie deal at a reasonable $4.774 million in base salary and roster bonus. Assuming the Panthers want to guarantee having him for more than one year, they have until May 3 to exercise his fifth-year option of $18.858 million. That figure is guaranteed upon execution (in the past, it was only guaranteed for injury).
Picking it up is not without risk, but thinking of it as a two-year, $23.632 million deal takes some of the sting out of that decision.
Making the move for Darnold comes at a time when there was little in the way of certainty about the Panthers' chances of drafting a quarterback, even if they found one they loved.
The Jaguars are locked in on Clemson's Trevor Lawrence, and the Jets seem close to that level of certainty regarding Wilson. With the 49ers just trading three first-rounders and a third to get to the No. 3 spot, that suggests there's a quarterback there they feel strongly about. With the fourth (Atlanta) and seventh (Detroit) picks held by teams with some question about the future of the position, there's no way to guarantee the Panthers could draft one of the top five prospects (including Justin Fields, Trey Lance, and Mac Jones).
The Panthers still have incumbent quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, leaving backups P.J. Walker and Will Grier. Bridgewater signed with the Jets in March 2018, just before they drafted Darnold, and he was traded to the Saints the following August.
The Panthers still has seven picks in the 2021 NFL Draft, (eighth overall, along with 39, 73, 113, 151, 193, and 222.)
View photos of Sam Darnold during his years with the New York Jets from 2018-20.
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is jubilant as he celebrates a score during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. The Jets defeated the Rams 23-20. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) during a week 15 NFL football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday December 15, 2018 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Jan. 3, 2021 in Foxborough, Mass. The Patriots defeated the Jets 28-14. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back in the pocket during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020 in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Jets 40-3. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during an NFL game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020, in Inglewood, Calif. The Jets defeated the Rams 23-20. (Kevin Terrell via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass during an NFL game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Jets defeated the Browns 23-16. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) sets up on the line during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns, Sunday, Dec. 27, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back in the pocket during the second half of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020 in Seattle. The Seahawks defeated the Jets 40-3. (Alika Jenner via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold rolls out as he looks to pass in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Jets 35-9. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Jets 35-9. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New York Jets Quarterback Sam Darnold drops back to pass during an NFL Football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday November 1, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. (Steve Sanders/Kansas City Chiefs Via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes during the first quarter of an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Sunday, Dec. 6, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold rushes during the second quarter to an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 29, 2020, in East Rutherford, NJ. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) prepares for the snap under center during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. Buffalo won 18-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold throws a pass in action against the Kansas City Chiefs during a NFL football game, Sunday, Nov. 1, 2020, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Jets 35-9. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs for yardage during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Broncos defeated the Jets 37-28. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates during an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills, Sunday, Oct. 25, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. Buffalo won 18-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs for a touchdown during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 1, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Broncos defeated the Jets 37-28. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass against the Denver Broncos during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks on during the NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020, in Indianapolis. The Colts defeated the Jets 36-7. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) rushes against the Denver Broncos during the first quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 1, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. Darnold later scored a touchdown after a 46 yard run. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, center, warms up prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos Sunday, Oct. 1, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass against the Buffalo Bills during an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 13, 2020 in Orchard Park, N.Y. The Bills won the game 27-17. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on the sidelines prior to an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. The Colts beat the Jets 36-7. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass during an NFL game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Jets defeated the Dolphins 22-21. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) scrambles during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020 in Indianapolis. The Colts beat the Jets 36-7. (Todd Rosenberg via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass against the San Francisco 49ers during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020, in East Rutherford, N.J. (Michael Owens via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass, during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 3, 2019, in Miami Gardens, Fl. (Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Sept. 20, 2020 in East Rutherford, N.J. The 49ers defeated the Jets 31-13. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball during an NFL football game against the Baltimore Ravens, Dec. 12, 2019, in Baltimore. Baltimore won 42-21. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 42-21.(Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) audibles at the line of scrimmage during an NFL game against the Baltimore Ravens, Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, in Baltimore. The Ravens defeated the Jets 42-21. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) stretches during warm ups prior to an NFL football against the Baltimore Ravens on Thursday, Dec. 12, 2019, in Baltimore. The Ravens won 42-21.(Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs outside the pocket during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars won 29-15. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on the sideline during the second half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars won 29-15. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Monday October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots defeated the Jets 33-0. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during the first half of an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Jacksonville, Fla. The Jaguars won 29-15. (Perry Knotts via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) prepares for the snap during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. New England won 33-0. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Monday October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots defeated the Jets 33-0. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks on from the sidelines prior to an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots defeated the Jets, 33-0. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots Monday October 21, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Patriots defeated the Jets 33-0. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) passes during an NFL game against the New England Patriots, Monday, Oct. 21, 2019, in East Rutherford, NJ. The Patriots defeated the Jets 33-0. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) stands on the sideline during an NFL preseason football game against the New Orleans Saints, Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019 in East Rutherford, N.J. New Orleans won 28-13. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) drops back to pass during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday October 13, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) stands in the huddle during an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys Sunday October 13, 2019 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass, during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass in action against the New England Patriots Sunday December 30, 2018 in Foxboro, Mass (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) rolls out to pass during an NFL regular season football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Texans won, 28-22. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) rolls out to pass during an NFL regular season football game against the Houston Texans on Saturday, Dec. 15, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Texans won, 28-22. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball during a NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. New York Giants won 22-16. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates a touchdown pass in action against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks to pass, during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018, in Miami Gardens, Fla. ( Tom DiPace via AP)
New York Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a second quarter pass off his back foot during the NFL week 9 regular season football game against the Miami Dolphins on Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018 in Miami Gardens, Fla. The Dolphins won the game 13-6. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) runs with the football as he looks to pass during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018 in Chicago. The Bears won 24-10. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass in action against the Minnesota Vikings Sunday October 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks downfield for a receiver in an NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) celebrates during a week 3 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 in Cleveland. Cleveland won 21-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws the ball during a week 3 NFL football game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 in Cleveland. Cleveland won 21-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks downfield for a receiver in an NFL game against the Minnesota Vikings, Sunday, Oct. 21, 2018 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) rolls out looking for a receiver during a week 6 NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts on Sunday October 14, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws an incomplete pass in the second quarter during the 2018 NFL regular season week 3 football game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 in Cleveland. The Browns won the game 21-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold (14) looks on before pregame warmups before the 2018 NFL regular season week 3 football game against the Cleveland Browns on Thursday, Sept. 20, 2018 in Cleveland. The Browns won the game 21-17. (Paul Spinelli via AP)
New York Jets rookie quarterback Sam Darnold (14) smiles following a week 1 NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018 in Detroit. New York won 48-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) prepares for the snap during a week 1 NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018 in Detroit. New York won 48-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) on the sideline during an NFL game against the Atlanta Falcons, Friday Aug. 10, 2018, East Rutherford, NJ. The Jets defeated the Falcons 17-0. (Al Tielemans via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) throws a pass in action against the Atlanta Falcons Friday August 10, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) is interview following a week 1 NFL football game against the Detroit Lions on Monday, Sept. 10, 2018 in Detroit. New York won 48-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold (14) scrambles during a NFL preseason football game against the New York Giants on Friday, Aug. 24, 2018 in East Rutherford, N.J. New York Giants won 22-16. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
