Sam Darnold was very close to playing in the Bay Area.
Earlier this month, the New York Jets traded Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a sixth-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft in addition to second-round and fourth-round picks in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Before that deal was agreed to, the San Francisco 49ers were rying to obtain the former third-overall pick. The 49ers reportedly offered the Jets their first-round pick — 12th overall in this year’s draft, per Cecil Lammey of 104.3 The Fan in Denver.
Ah, what might have been. League sources tell me #Jets turned down #49ers first-round pick for Sam Darnold earlier this offseason. Joe Douglas & co. had concerns about Zach Wilson’s shoulder & wanted to see his pro day. Now, super confident & will likely be no2 pick #NFLDraft
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) April 14, 2021
The 49ers would soon come to terms with the Miami Dolphins on a blockbuster trade that saw the 49ers send the Dolphins a package that included their 2021 first-round pick along with a first- and third-round pick in 2022 and first-round pick in 2023 to move up from No. 12 to No. 3 on the draft board.
New York will have just two first-round selections at No. 2 and No. 23 (via Seattle).
