The Panthers weren’t the only team interested in Sam Darnold.
Two days after the Jets traded the quarterback for Carolina, the NFL Network reported that the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Football Team each had a close look at the 23-year-old quarterback before free duty began.
“Washington had a talk about it and SF asked what would happen next,” NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport tweeted, adding that the Jets weren’t 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-round and fourth-round picks in 2022. The trade came after months of speculation about what the Jets – who will be the No. 2 – have overall choice in April’s quarterback-laden version – would do with Darnold after three lackluster seasons.
Washington then signed Ryan Fitzpatrick into free agency without giving up anything to add the 38-year-old to his roster. Washington also has Kyle Allen after it tendered the exclusive rights-free agent in March.
The 49ers are still figuring out their QB situation. Jimmy Garoppolo has been the subject of trade rumors after San Francisco traded to third place overall. On Wednesday, the 49ers added former Eagles backup Nate Sudfeld to a one-year deal to provide depth.
The Jets seem poised to fill the Darnold void, with all the signs pointing to BYU’s Zach Wilson as their plan below the center.