4 pros and cons to the Panthers trading for Sam Darnold
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold could be on the move in the coming weeks, but could the New York Jets quarterback end up being traded to the Carolina Panthers?
It seems as if the Carolina Panthers are going to leave no stone unturned in their pursuit of a new quarterback this offseason. They narrowly missed out on a trade for Matthew Stafford before the Los Angeles Rams swooped in and took the former No. 1 overall selection. But a recent report indicates they have some interest in another first-rounder who could do with a fresh start elsewhere.
According to ESPN’s NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Panthers were one of the teams who called regarding the availability of Sam Darnold, whose future with the New York Jets is up in the air following an indifferent start to his career and a change in regime.
Other teams to make inquiries were the Indianapolis Colts and the Washington Football Team, who also need a fresh set of eyes under center. But much will depend on whether new head coach Robert Saleh is willing to give the signal-caller another go, make a bombshell trade for Deshaun Watson, or take a talented young prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft as to whether or not Darnold will be available.
Just what the cost would be to acquire Darnold is also up for debate. The Panthers wouldn’t want to give up the No. 8 overall selection – of that, there is little doubt – but perhaps a second-rounder and a mid-round pick in 2022 might be enough to secure the player.
This would be a major gamble by the decision-makers, who’d be betting that Darnold can finally live up to expectations associated with a top-five pick. Whichever way they go instead of Teddy Bridgewater has the short and long-term future of the franchise riding on it and it’s vital Carolina gets it right.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at some pros and cons of the Panthers trading for Darnold.