CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Sam Darnold faces his former team on Sunday when the Carolina Panthers host the New York Jets in the season opener.
Darnold was the No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft, but was traded to Carolina after going 13-25 in three seasons with the Jets.
"I didn't do my job to the best of my abilities," Darnold said.
The Jets replaced him with No. 2 overall pick Zach Wilson, who will get the start.
Darnold is hoping to jumpstart his career in Carolina, where he has more weapons to work with, including 2019 All-Pro running back Christian McCaffrey and a pair of 1,000-yard receivers last year in D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson.
"Honestly, we're all excited in the locker room to just play football," Darnold said. "Play in front of a crowd, especially here in Charlotte."
The Jets are in rebuild mode under first-year coach Robert Saleh after a 2-14 season.
