CHARLOTTE – The last week of Sam Darnold's life has been a little bit of a blur.
So when he landed in Charlotte on Sunday afternoon to begin the next chapter of his football career, the new Panthers quarterback admitted he was still sorting out the way he felt about the trade that brought him from the Jets, an abrupt change to his career plan.
"There's a little bit of both — relief and excitement," Darnold said. "There's been so much uncertainty this offseason, not knowing what your future was going to look like, that was hard.
"But now that I'm in Charlotte, I'm excited, and yeah, I guess I am kind of relieved to be here."
For the 23-year-old quarterback, the mixed feelings come partly from the fact he never imagined being here. From the moment he was drafted third overall by the Jets in 2018, he figured he'd stay there his entire career and have great success, the way everyone does when they're drafted.
But the business of the NFL took over, and with the Jets earning the second overall pick in this year's draft, they made the decision to cast their lot with an even younger model (expected to be Brigham Young's Zach Wilson).
Darnold admitted that reality was difficult to swallow, but he saw the flip side of the transaction as beneficial, once he recalled the conversations with his agent during which the possibility of joining the Panthers emerged.
"Those conversations were tough," Darnold said. "I imagined I was going to be the franchise quarterback of the New York Jets for a long time. And once you realize that the team that drafted you is moving on, it stings a little bit."
The pain of that is soothed by the fact he's walking into what ought to be a good situation for any quarterback.
A healthy Christian McCaffrey is one of the most dynamic offensive players in the league. Robby Anderson he knows from their two years together with the Jets, and having a wide receiver such as DJ Moore on the other side gives Darnold the opportunity to make plays downfield with regularity.
He's been texting back and forth with Anderson in recent days, and picks up on the excitement of coming to a team with more reliable offensive weapons. But he also went on and on about working with Panthers head coach Matt Rhule and offensive coordinator Joe Brady, and what he described as "a lot of great players on defense."
"The culture that's being set here is amazing," Darnold said. "That's probably the part that intrigues me the most about this."
But the level of comfort he's already feeling with his new team goes back deeper than a player he knows, or a few more good ones, or the boost that comes with any fresh start.
His former Jets teammate Josh McCown, who also played for the Panthers from 2008-09 and counseled Darnold through his rookie year in New York, pointed out a more subtle connection which could help with Darnold's transition to his new home.
The year before Darnold arrived in New York (2017), McCown was there when John Morton replaced Chan Gailey as offensive coordinator. Morton's previous job was as the wide receivers coach with the Saints. As McCown explained, even after head coach Todd Bowles replaced Morton with offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates in 2018, the passing game concepts for Darnold's rookie year remained consistent from the previous year, based on the Saints' principles which Brady grew up on. (Bates did adapt the Jets' running game that year, implementing more of the outside zone system the 49ers are running under Kyle Shanahan.)
"The stuff Sam was asked to do as a rookie is really similar to what Joe Brady and the Panthers want to do now," McCown said. "He really did have a comfort with that passing game, and he flourished in it.
"I think from a schematic standpoint, this could be a real sweet spot for Sam."
Darnold's still getting to know his new coaches, and is having his first full day of face-to-face interaction with them Monday. And while it's too soon to know what to expect this year, he acknowledged that McCown's point was valid.
"For sure, there are some similarities to what I did my rookie season," Darnold said of the film he's watched of the 2020 Panthers. "The system was good for me, and I felt like I settled in nicely."
But beyond any Xs and Os (or any Christians or Joes), Darnold said he mostly feels grateful to be in Charlotte, to have a chance to hit reset on his career at such a young age, and to be in a place where active steps were taken to acquire him.
"To go from being unwanted to being wanted is huge," Darnold said. "Getting that news that you're going to be traded, of a team saying, 'Hey, we didn't want you," for whatever reason, is hard.
"But right now, I feel great about it, and I'm excited to get here, and get started."
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)
