4 pros and cons to the Panthers trading for Sam Darnold

Sam Darnold’s contract

Times are tough across the league with financial resources coming down due to COVID-19 revenue losses. Trading for Sam Darnold also comes with little in the way of money worries for the Carolina Panthers, which is something else that might make all the difference when exploring their options this offseason.

Darnold is heading into the final year of his rookie deal in 2021. He will make a base salary of just $920,000 and count $9.79 million against the Jets’ salary cap. This would be worth its weight in gold if the trade comes off, even though it would probably cost them a couple of draft selections.

In short, this is a prove-it year for Darnold, whichever team he ends up.

And that might be all the quarterback needs to motivate himself to new heights. in pursuit of a big extension next year.

If it doesn’t work out, Carolina is back to square one in their pursuit of finding a long-term option at the position. But at least they wouldn’t be on the hook for a significant amount of money like the organization is currently experiencing with Teddy Bridgewater after giving him a three-year, $63 million deal with a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed last year.

This trade is low-risk, in a sense. But the Panthers still cannot afford to get their next incoming signal-caller wrong.