It feels like quarterbacks are scrutinized for their play on the field more than any other position. From their actual stats to how they move and even what they say, quarterbacks are under the microscope from the second they join an NFL team.
Sam Darnold was drafted by the New York Jets with the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. He brought with him a lot of hope. The franchise endured the butt fumble in 2012, the failed Geno Smith experiment in 2013-2014, and underperforming veterans Ryan Fitzpatrick and Josh McCown from 2015-17.
Unfortunately, Darnold wasn't the answer that the Jets were looking for. He was only with the organization from 2018-20 and was traded to the Panthers ahead of the 2021 season. The Jets finished 4-12, 7-9, and 2-14 when Darnold was with the team, and they eventually had to start other quarterbacks like McCown, Joe Flacco, Luke Falk, and Trevor Siemian in his place.
While Darnold didn't have the longest tenure in New York, that doesn't mean that it wasn't memorable. Broadcasts used to mic up players for prime-time games, and Darnold was mic'd up on 'Monday Night Football' in 2019. He had a bad game, but the mic caught a comment that took social media by storm and went viral.
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Sam Darnold 'Seeing Ghosts' moment
*The NFL blocked the embedding of the original clip, so please excuse this version with ghost emojis added for effect*
Darnold and the Jets were taking on the Patriots in an AFC East battle. The second-year quarterback struggled and had one of the worst games of his career. He was mic'd up and likely didn't think much of his comments to himself. Darnold remarked "seeing ghosts out there" in reference to his struggles passing against the Patriots' defense. It hit social media, caught fire, and is still brought up when talking about Darnold or a struggling quarterback five years later.
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What game is the 'seeing ghosts' meme from?
The Jets hosted the Patriots in Week 7's edition of 'Monday Night Football.' This was the second time they had played in 2019 and New England won the first 30-14.
Darnold had an absolutely abysmal game. He finished 11-for-32 for 86 yards, no touchdowns, and four interceptions while losing a fumble.
What teams has Sam Darnold played for?
Darnold has only been in the league seven seasons, but he has played with four different franchises. He was traded to the Panthers for three draft picks ahead of the 2021 season, and they picked up his fifth-year option on his rookie deal. Darnold left in free agency and signed with San Francisco in 2023 before leaving for Minnesota via free agency in 2024.
| Team | Years |
| New York Jets | 2018-2020 |
| Carolina Panthers | 2021-2022 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 2023 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 2024 |
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Sam Darnold career stats
Darnold is experiencing a career resurgence in 2024. He struggled with New York and Carolina, but then didn't get much of an opportunity with the 49ers backing up Brock Purdy. Darnold was involved in a quarterback battle with rookie J.J. McCarthy, but he tore his ACL ahead of the season, thrusting Darnold into the starting role.
| Team | Games | Passing Yards | Passing TDs | Interceptions | Record |
| New York Jets | 38 | 8,097 | 45 | 39 | 13-25 |
| Carolina Panthers | 18 | 3,670 | 16 | 16 | 8-9 |
| San Francisco 49ers | 10 | 297 | 2 | 1 | 0-1 |
| Minnesota Vikings | 4 | 932 | 11 | 3 | 4-0 |
| Total | 70 | 12,996 | 74 | 59 | 25-35 |
San Darnold contract
Darnold signed a 4-year, $30.24 million rookie contract with New York, and his fifth-year option worth $18.858 million was guaranteed and picked up by the Panthers.
As a free agent he signed a one-year, $4.5 million deal with San Francisco in 2023 and then a one-year, $10 million deal with Minnesota in 2024.
