4 options for the Panthers if Sam Darnold doesn’t work out in 2021
By Dean Jones
What options do the Carolina Panthers have if their new quarterback Sam Darnold doesn’t meet some lofty expectations in 2021?
The Carolina Panthers are betting on Sam Darnold to finally start realizing his potential following his trade from the New York Jets. This is a feast or famine acquisition – to put it mildly – and the jury is still out as to whether the former USC standout can make a better go of things with far more talent around him in Joe Brady’s dynamic scheme.
This is the big chance Darnold has been waiting for.
It didn’t take a rocket scientist to figure out that the Jets were going with Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, so being cast aside after just three seasons is all the motivation he should need in pursuit of proving his doubters wrong.
Darnold won’t get a better chance than this and he’s made a strong start to the Panthers’ offseason program.
But there is not much evidence to suggest there will be a substantial leap in production when competitive action rolls around.
If Darnold doesn’t generate some early momentum with some easier games to open the schedule, it’s going to be a real problem. Many sections of the team’s fanbase were skeptical of the trade after failed bids to land Matthew Stafford and Deshaun Watson, so Matt Rhule could face the prospect of looking for his third starting quarterback in as many years since taking over as head coach.
There is a lot of football to be played between now and then. Darnold needs to repress the torrid memory of MetLife Stadium and capitalize on a tremendous spot to be walking into.
Should Darnold end up failing to meet expectations, what options will be available to Carolina in 2022?