2018: Sam Darnold (New York Jets)
via USA TODAY Sports
As the only quarterback on this list that remains with his original team, Sam Darnold is about to get replaced by Zach Wilson after this upcoming draft. Looking back at this trade, it is easily the toughest to evaluate because of how young Darnold still is, but diving deeper into this trade makes it clear that the Jets were clear losers in this one.
Jets Received:
3rd Overall Pick (2018)
Colts Received:
6th Overall Pick (2018)
37th Overall Pick (2018)
49th Overall Pick (2018)
2nd-Round Pick (2019)
With these picks, the Colts drafted G Quenton Nelson, G Braden Smith, CB Rock Ya-Sin, RB Jordan Wilkins and DE Kemoko Turay. All five of these players are currently on the Colts roster, with Nelson and Smith being the stars of this class. Nelson has established himself as arguably the best interior offensive lineman in the NFL, while Smith has played extremely well at right tackle, making the Colts offensive line unit one of the best in the league. The Colts got what they were looking for in this trade, but now it's time to look at how the Jets have fared.
Darnold held a record of 13-25 with the New York Jets, which was abysmal, to say the least. However, you can’t blame Darnold for his failures as the Jets failed to give him any weapons to work with and couldn’t find a way to protect him whatsoever.
With the news that the Jets are moving on from Sam Darnold after only three years with the team, it just proves how costly trades like these can be. The Jets will likely be selecting Zach Wilson out of BYU while Darnold gets a fresh start in Carolina.