CHARLOTTE — Sam Darnold's going to get a chance to make a debut, and prove a point, and he's not going to have to wait long to do it.
The Panthers' new quarterback will get a chance to face his former team in the season opener, as Carolina will host the Jets at Bank of America Stadium on Sept. 12 at 1 p.m., as announced on CBS This Morning.
That kind of storyline was too easy for the league to pass up, considering the way the two teams changed courses at quarterback this offseason.
The Jets were willing to move on from the 23-year-old Darnold this offseason, replacing the former No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft with Zach Wilson, the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft.
The Panthers traded three picks to acquire Darnold — a sixth this year and second- and fourth-rounders next season. Through all their draft-weekend deals, the Panthers have already added a future fourth-rounder, in addition to bringing in 11 drafted rookies. The Panthers also picked up Darnold's fifth-year option, adding another season to his rookie contract.
Darnold's three years with the Jets were a roller coaster, with flashes of early promise coming unglued during the Adam Gase years.
He also never had the kind of support there in terms of skill position players that he'll enjoy here. While he knows Robby Anderson from their time together in New York, there was never a DJ Moore or a Christian McCaffrey to go with him.
The Panthers are banking their hope that Darnold will be able to flourish in an environment with more weapons and less pressure. Wilson, on the other hand, will find out quickly what the pressure is all about.
The full 2021 NFL schedule will be released on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET tonight during their Schedule Release special. Fans can also see the Panthers full schedule on Panthers.com/schedule and on the team's social media channels.
Single-game tickets go on sale to the general public at 9 p.m. ET tonight at Panthers.com/tickets/single.
Carolina is 4-3 all-time against the Jets, featuring a 3-1 record at home and 1-2 mark on the road.
Julius Peppers sacks the quarterback during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Luke Kuechly returns an interception during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Devin Funchess makes a reception during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Kaelin Clay scores a touchdown during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Jonathan Stewart carries the football during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Jonathan Stewart tries to dive over the goal line during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Christian McCaffrey breaks a tackle during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Cam Newton runs for a touchdown during a game against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday, November 26, 2017.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
Carolina Panthers' Dwayne Jarrett catches a ball as he falls into the endzone during an NFL football game against the New York Jets Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. A penalty was called on the play and the touchdown was called back. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers' Jake Delhomme points during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers punter Todd Sauerbrun (10) reacts as his kick is blocked by New York Jets' Jamie Henderson (23) in the first quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 28, 2001. The Jets returned the punt for a touchdown.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers tight end Gary Barnidge (82) is tackled by New York Jets safety Eric Smith (33) and teammate David Harris (52) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Carolina Panthers tight end Dante Rosario (88) stiff-arms New York Jets linebacker Calvin Pace (97) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Jets won the game 17-6. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Carolina Panthers play against the New York Jets on Sunday, December 15, 2013.
New York Jets' quarterback Brooks Bollinger (5) is sacked by Carolina Panthers' Kendal Moorehead, center, as Jets' Scott Gragg (74) grabs Moorehead during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Chris Harris tackles New York Jets tight end Dustin Keller (81) as Keller fumbles the ball during the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets' Thomas Jones runs the ball during an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Jets quarterback Mark Sanchez (6) is tackled by Carolina Panthers cornerback Richard Marshall (31) in the third quarter during an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Jets running back Shonn Greene (23) fights for control of the ball against Carolina Panthers' James Anderson (50) during the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Nov. 29, 2009, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) celebrates his one-yard touchdown in the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 30-3 win over the New York Jets in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
FILE - In this Oct. 15, 1995, file photo, Carolina Panthers head coach Dom Capers, center, and linebacker Lamar Lathon (57) celebrate the team's first win, 26-15 over the New York Jets at Memorial Stadium in Clemson, S.C. Carolina went 7-9 in their inaugural season in 1995 with Kerry Collins leading the way. The Panthers made it to the NFC championship game a season later, losing 30-13 to Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. (AP Photo/Alan Marler, File)
New York Jets' Justin Miller (22) fumbles a kickoff return as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Ricky Manning Jr (24) during the fourth quarter of the Panthers' 30-3 win in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005. The Panthers forced six turnovers, four of which came on consecutive New York possessions, to pull away after an uneventful first half. Carolina scored 20 points off turnovers.(AP Photo/Rick Havner)
FILE - In this Oct. 15, 1995, file photo, Carolina Panthers' Sam Mills holds the ball high as he reaches the end zone for the first touchdown of the game after intercepting the ball from the New York Jets during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Clemson, S.C. Mills was selected as a finalist for the Pro Football Hall of Fame's class of 2021 on Tuesday, Jan. 5, 2021. (AP Photo/Ruth Fremson, File)
Carolina Panthers' Stephen Davis (48) runs past New York Jets' Shaun Ellis (92) during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
Carolina Panthers' Keary Colbert (83) celebrates his touchdown catch as New York Jets' Justin Miller (22) looks on during the first quarter in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers' Ken Lucas (23) celebrates one of his two interceptions with teammate Marlon McCree (27) during the third quarter of the Panthers' 30-3 win over the New York Jets in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005. The Panthers forced six turnovers, four of which came on consecutive New York possessions, to pull away after an uneventful first half. Carolina scored 20 points off turnovers.(AP Photo/Rick Havner)
Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme (17) throws a pass under pressure during the first quarter against the New York Jets in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Nov. 13, 2005.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
New York Jets' Curtis Martin (28) runs past Carolina Panthers' Deon Grant (27) during in the second quarter of the Jet's 13-12 win at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 28, 2001. Martin ran for 159 yards in the win. (AP Photo/Rusty Burroughs)
New York Jets' Richie Anderson (20) loses the ball as he is hit by Carolina Panthers' Dean Wells (95) in the first quarter at Ericsson Stadium in Charlotte, N.C., Sunday Oct. 28, 2001. Carolina Panthers' Rashard Anderson recovered the fumble and ran it back 97 yards for a touchdown.(AP Photo/Chuck Burton)
