Mike Greenberg was shocked to learn Marcus Spears' prediction about Zach Wilson being more successful than Mac Jones during their first three NFL seasons. (1:47).
FLORHAM PARK (N.J.) -- Sam Darnold and Zach Wilson met last offseason at a San Clemente training facility. Darnold is from Florham Park, California. Darnold was still the New York Jets' quarterback at the time.
Their next meeting will be more meaningful.
Wilson will be facing his predecessor, the Carolina Panthers' starting pitcher, on Sunday in a season opening full of stories. Both players insist Wednesday that they aren't focused on the other.
Wilson stated, "That's certainly not something that I think about." He's doing his thing. He has a wonderful situation. Sam is a great football player, but I believe the organization has already made that decision. They wanted a fresh start.
Darnold spoke to reporters in Charlotte North Carolina about the importance of the matchup. Darnold responded to reporters in Charlotte, North Carolina, that the matchup is more than just another game.
The Jets traded Darnold to Panthers after months of speculation on April 5. In return, they received a 2021 sixth round pick and second-, fourth-round picks for 2022. The Jets drafted Darnold in 2018 third overall. It was an impressive, if not spectacular, move. He was once thought to be their long-term solution, but he failed to make the team last season. They decided to restart the team with a new coach in 2021.
They were already focusing on Wilson at the time of the trade. Wilson ended up being their second-best pick overall. Darnold was drafted by Wilson, but the Jets considered keeping Darnold.
Robert Saleh, Jets coach, said that "(That idea] went pretty far." You can see the extent to which Sam was traded. Let me just say that we knew we were going to take the young child, so Sam and I discussed whether someone would make us an offer that we couldn't refuse.
Wilson has been a great player on and off the pitch. He was named as one of five permanent captains by the players on Wednesday. This is a rare honor for a rookie. Darnold was not a rookie captain in 2018.
Wilson stated, "It is a responsibility to be taken seriously."
Saleh was not surprised to receive the results.
He said, "I was like, ‘Oh, look at this,’" It's more a testimony to him, the manner he has managed to conduct himself here. He's always hanging out with O-linemen when you go to the cafeteria. He has an infectious personality. He's an inspiration to his personality and how he has handled himself so far.
Wilson and Darnold had never met each other before the draft. They didn't know that their careers would become intertwined. They had pleasantries exchanged that day in California.
Wilson stated, "He's super-cool," Wilson said, "We just spoke about life in the NFL."
Darnold acknowledged that he was hurt by the trade and said that he had always envisioned his entire career as a Jets player. He now has a chance to make some amends.
He said, "Honestly, we're all very excited to be playing football in the locker room -- especially in Charlotte." It's incredible to see the fans support you. It's something we have all been waiting for for a long time. I am excited to see the Jets play and what they can do. I want to be consistent and stay true to myself.
David Newton, NFL Nation Panthers reporter, contributed to this report.
