4 options for the Panthers if Sam Darnold doesn’t work out in 2021
By Dean Jones
Look to the 2022 NFL Draft
If Sam Darnold cannot take advantage of a fresh opportunity to prove he is talented enough to become a starting-caliber quarterback, then the Carolina Panthers might be staring down the barrel of a top-10 pick once again.
This would be nothing short of a disaster when one considers the wealth of talent on both sides of the ball, so if this scenario plays out it would be a damning indictment on Darnold’s production.
The Panthers resisted the temptation to draft a signal caller of the future in 2021.
They would find it hard to pass up this chance next spring if Darnold does not thrive.
Some early potential candidates could be Spencer Rattler out of Oklahoma, who is the top-rated prospect heading into the college campaign. Another popular name that will undoubtedly come up in conversations could be North Carolina‘s Sam Howell, who lit up the 2020 season with the Tar Heels and is a potential Heisman Trophy candidate next time around.
USC’s Kedon Slovis is another possibility. There is always someone that comes from nowhere similar to what Zach Wilson managed to do on his way to being the No. 2 overall selection.
As stated previously, there’s a lot that will happen between now and when Carolina is on the clock. But if the Panthers aren’t convinced by Darnold for whatever reason, then a completely fresh start with a college recruit isn’t out of the question.