Panthers weren’t the only team interested in Sam Darnold.
Two days after the Jets traded the quarterback to Carolina, the NFL Network reported that the San Francisco 49ers and the Washington Football Team each took a “hard look” at the 23-year-old quarterback before the free agency began.
“Washington had conversations about it and SF asked what would need to happen.” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport posted on Twitter, adding that the Jets were not ready to make a move at the time.
On Monday, the Jets traded Darnold to the Panthers for three draft picks: a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft and second- and fourth-round picks in 2022. Trade came after months of speculation about what the Jets – who picked No. 2 overall in the April quarterback-laden draft – would face Darnold after three seasons without light.
Washington later signed Ryan Fitzpatrick into a free agency, without having to give up anything to add the 38-year-old to his list. Washington also has Kyle Allen, after bidding for the free agent for exclusive rights in March.
49ers are still realizing the QB situation. Jimmy Garoppolo has been the subject of commercial rumors after San Francisco traded until general election no. 3. On Wednesday, the 49ers added former Eagles backup Nate Sudfeld to a one-year deal to provide depth.
The chips appear ready to fill Darnold’s goal, with all signs pointing to BYU’s Zach Wilson as their plan under the center.