Darnold traded to Panthers

The Jets traded QB Sam Darnold to the Panthers in exchange for a 2021 6th-round pick and 2nd and 4th-rounders next year. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport hears that Carolina was the "sole suitor" for Darnold -- hence the relatively cheap price tag. Darnold, of course, has been largely disappointing since going 3rd overall in 2018, completing 59.8% of his passes, averaging 6.6 yards per attempt and tossing 39 INTs vs. 45 TDs. He's gotten little help from his coaches or supporting cast. But Darnold has not fared well in Pro Football Focus' passing grades, ranking 30th, 27th and 35th over the past 3 seasons. He's a fine gamble for the Panthers to make, but Darnold certainly isn't a lock to emerge as the team's long-term starter. In fact, he'll need to beat out QB Teddy Bridgewater for the 2021 starting job -- although we do consider Darnold the favorite there. The Jets, meanwhile, are widely expected to take BYU QB Zach Wilson with the 2nd overall pick later this month.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the 49ers have reached a one-year deal with QB Sam Darnold. The quick signing tells us that San Francisco isn't sure QB Brock Purdy will be ready for the regular season. If the 49ers did expect Purdy's repaired right arm to be all good, then there would seem little reason for them to prioritize a third QB on the open market and little reason for Darnold to sign so quickly. Why settle for a locked-in No. 3 role on the first day of "legal tampering" rather than wait to see what other QB-needier teams might say. Of course, we're betting Trey Lance will open the year as the starter. The fact that Lance remains unproven heading into his third year -- and is coming off his own serious injury -- enhances the upside for Darnold. In addition to Purdy, HC Kyle Shanahan's offense has helped QBs Jimmy Garoppolo, C.J. Beathard and Nick Mullens generate good efficiency. Darnold would be interesting for fantasy if pressed into duty. That makes him stashable in deeper dynasty leagues.

Panthers QB Sam Darnold threw for 341 yards and 3 TDs in Sunday's loss to the Buccaneers. He hit WR D.J. Moore, WR Shi Smith and TE Tommy Tremble for TDs. The game included a season-high 37 passing attempts for Darnold, who hadn't exceeded 24 attempts in his previous 4 starts this season. He and the Panthers close out against the Saints in Week 18.

The Panthers announced Tuesday that QB Sam Darnold will start Sunday's game against the Broncos. Darnold himself will be far from a real fantasy-lineup option for that matchup, and we're not sure he improves the outlook for the offense on whole. But a move away from Baker Mayfield can't be bad for D.J. Moore's target shares. Moore drew 27.2% of Panthers targets in the 11 games Darnold started last season. He has garnered just 22.6% target share in Mayfield's 5 starts this year.

The Panthers activated QB Sam Darnold (ankle) from IR. He's been practicing for a couple of weeks but is now evidently ready for game action. We'll see who Carolina goes with at QB vs. the Falcons this weekend. QB P.J. Walker was benched at halftime of the loss to the Bengals. QB Baker Mayfield played his best football of the season over the 2nd half, completing 14 of 20 passes for 155 yards, 2 TDs and 0 INTs.

Panthers QB Sam Darnold (ankle) has been designated to return from IR and will return to practice this week. With QBs Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker both banged up and playing horribly, we'll likely get Darnold back in our lives at some point this season. Of course, you can leave him on the waiver wire in fantasy leagues.