Sam Darnold held his first press conference today following last week’s trade that sent him from the New York Jets to the Carolina Panthers. New York got three draft picks in the deal, while Carolina got a former first-round pick with more youth, athleticism, arm talent and upside than Teddy Bridgewater, who is currently on the trade block.
Darnold says he expected to play 20 years for the Jets and win some Super Bowls but is excited for a fresh start with the Panthers.
Sam Darnold says his expectation was to play 20 years for the Jets, win Super Bowls.
Darnold says he's excited for the "fresh start."
— Alaina Getzenberg (@agetzenberg) April 12, 2021
So, what sets this organization apart from his last franchise? Attention to detail, for one thing. Darnold says Carolina’s is one of a kind.
Sam Darnold says the attention to detail in Panthers' organization is "one of a kind." He cites David Tepper, Scott Fitterer and Matt Rhule.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 12, 2021
Asked whether he got a fair shake in New York, Darnold showed off some of that elusiveness he displays on the run by saying it didn’t work out timing-wise with the Jets.
Sam Darnold on whether he was given a fair shake in New York: pic.twitter.com/sMvgakJl9o
— Joe Person (@josephperson) April 12, 2021
While switching jobs and cities can be rough on anyone, Darnold at least has a few familiar faces in his new locker room.
Carolina has several former Jets players on the roster, including wide receiver Robby Anderson. Darnold says Robby’s a great teammate and he’s glad to work with him again.
Sam Darnold on Robby Anderson: "On the field, he's going to tell you how it is…Robby is a great teammate, and I'm glad I'm back with him."
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) April 12, 2021
As for the guy he’s replacing as the Panthers’ QB1, Darnold also has some experience with Teddy Bridgewater, who he says he’s always admired.
Sam Darnold: "I've always admired Teddy." Said they became friends when they were teammates with the Jets.
He added he hasn't talked to him since the trade went down, but he's looking forward to that interaction.
— Jonathan M Alexander (@jonmalexander) April 12, 2021
The man now cutting his checks has kept an open line.
Darnold says team owner David Tepper told him to call anytime for football or financial advice.
Sam Darnold has gotten to hang out with Panthers owner David Tepper, who told him to call anytime whether it was about financial or football advance.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) April 12, 2021
There appears to be no hard feelings for Darnold’s former employers. He says he has nothing but respect for everyone in New York and predicted that general manager Joe Douglas will get it right.
Sam Darnold: “Nothing but respect for everyone in New York.” Said Joe Douglas called him when “trade was going down.” Said Douglas is “a great guy” & that #NYJ and Douglas will get it right.
— Kim Jones (@KimJonesSports) April 12, 2021
