The 49ers’ hopes for something strange that would happen to them in this year’s draft were dashed Monday when the Jets traded quarterback Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers.
Darnold’s departure from New York leaves the Jets without a start signal caller and solidifies what has been speculated all along – they are drafting a quarterback.
This was likely the case even if Darnold stayed, but his presence left some leeway for shenanigans on the second pick. Maybe a team blew the Jets away with an offer to stay ahead of the 49ers, or maybe they could draft a non-quarterback to try and improve the roster around Darnold. Those scenarios were long shots, but they were on the table as long as Darnold was there.
Instead, New York chose to leave no doubt about it. They sent Darnold to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for three tow bars. They will draft a quarterback after the Jaguars select Trevor Lawrence, and the 49ers have a choice of three quarterbacks.
However, there is still some uncertainty at No. 2 that could throw a wrench into the top of the draft. BYU QB Zach Wilson is widely expected to reach No. 2 overall. If the Jets pass him, there could be some chaos at number 3 or after. While most of the uncertainty is gone, just enough remains that the second choice will still come with some intrigue for the 49ers.