4 options for the Panthers if Sam Darnold doesn’t work out in 2021

Target a 2022 free agent

Looking at the potential free-agent options available to the Carolina Panthers in 2022 if Sam Darnold doesn’t make the starting spot his own, this would probably be the final option to consider and one that would smack of desperation more than anything else.

Quarterbacks are rarely available on the market in their prime these days. Teams will either take their chances with someone that hasn’t reached their potential or an aging journeyman who could provide some stability in the short term.

Papering over what would be a pretty substantial crack where the Panthers are concerned.

Hopefully, Darnold and Carolina will be a match made in heaven.

But it would be remiss of those in power to not make a contingency plan in case things take a sour turn.

Among those set to enter free agency next year include Ben Roethlisberger, who appears on his way out of the Pittsburgh Steelers after a glittering career. Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, Cam Newton, and Andy Dalton are the best of the rest – which is a pretty mediocre bunch.

This only heightens the sense of urgency to make Darnold a capable signal-caller. In terms of fits, there aren’t many better places he could have ended up, so hitting the ground running and building momentum as the campaign goes on is of critical importance.

Whether Darnold can do this or not is another matter entirely.