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Sam Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers for a package of draft picks.

The New York Jets are starting over at quarterback but receive a 2021 sixth-round pick and second- and fourth-round picks in 2022.

“He is a tough-minded, talented football player whose NFL story has not been written yet,” Jets general manager Joe Douglas said Monday afternoon. “While all these things are true, this move is in the short- and long-term best interests for both this team and him.”

The Panthers own the eighth overall pick in the 2021 draft and did not forfeit a first-round pick.

Darnold, the No. 3 pick in the 2018 draft, would give the Panthers a long-term option at the position. Teddy Bridgewater started for Carolina last season in Matt Rhule’s first year as an NFL head coach.

Darnold has two years, $36 million remaining on his rookie deal.

The Jets have three of the top 34 picks in the 2021 draft, including No. 2, where they are almost certain to draft a quarterback. BYU’s Zach Wilson, Ohio State’s Justin Fields, North Dakota State’s Trey Lance and Alabama’s Mac Jones are considered first-round prospects.

Per prior reports, the Panthers have kicked the tires on trades for other quarterbacks this offseason. Carolina denied making a run at Matthew Stafford, who went from the Detroit Lions to the Los Angeles Rams in March via trade.

–Field Level Media