When the New York Jets traded Sam Darnold to the Carolina Panthers earlier this offseason, it was easy to hand the former USC standout the "bust" label. New York drafted Darnold third overall in 2018 to be the franchise's savior.
A savior, Darnold was not. Less than three years after he was drafted, Darnold is starting over, while the Jets have tapped Zach Wilson as the new chosen one.
Some of the blame does rest on Darnold's shoulders. Poor decision-making and a lack of pocket presence have haunted him like ghosts throughout his three pro campaigns.