The Panthers weren’t the only team interested in Sam Darnold.
Two days after the Jets traded quarterback Carolina, the NFL Network reported that the San Francisco 49ers and Washington Football Team had a “hard look” at the 23-year-old quarterback before the free agency began.
“Washington had conversations about it and SF asked what should happen.” Ian Rapoport of the NFL network tweeted, adding that the Jets were not ready to make any moves 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 have No. 2 pick in the April-loaded quarterback draft – would do with Darnold after three unpolished seasons.
Washington later signed Ryan Fitzpatrick to a free agency without having to give up anything to add the 38-year-old to his roster. Washington also has Kyle Allen after hiring the exclusive rights-free agent in March.
The 49ers are still figuring out their QB status. Jimmy Garoppolo has been the subject of commercial rumors after San Francisco changed the No. 3 pick in the overall standings. On Wednesday, the 49ers added Eagles backup Nate Sudfeld in a one-year deal to provide depth.
The Jets appear ready to fill Darnold’s void, with all signs pointing to BYU’s Zach Wilson as his plan in the center.