Ian Rapoport of NFL had previously mentioned the Carolina Panthers as a possible suitor for New York Jets quarterback Sam Darnold, though he indicated New York might not be in a rush to trade its incumbent starting signal-caller.

However, it looks as though the Panthers were hungry to make a move for the former No. 3 overall pick.

Carolina has acquired Darnold from the Jets, per Rapoport. The Panthers will be trading their sixth-round pick in 2021 in addition to a second- and fourth-round draft choice in 2022.

Adam Schefter of ESPN later reported the Panthers and Jets had been talking for “weeks,” with Carolina continuing to up its draft compensation.

This is a pretty tremendous haul for the Jets.

All indications were Darnold would not be worth more than a third-round pick, with Kimberley A. Martin of ESPN reporting a couple GMs even felt he might be worth a conditional fourth-rounder at best.

Instead, the Jets get a future second and future fourth in addition to a sixth-round choice this year. The move also all but guarantees New York will select a quarterback–likely BYU's Zach Wilson–with the No. 2 overall pick.

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The Panthers, meanwhile, will give Darnold the opportunity to push for the starting quarterback spot.

Carolina signed Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year deal last spring with the hopes he could cement himself as a legitimate starting quarterback. But head coach Matt Rhule suggested at the end of the season and in the last few months Bridgewater would have to play better and earn the QB1 distinction.

Now, the Panthers have an upside type in Darnold who will push for the starting role.