6 team legends who could help the current Panthers most in 2021
By Dean Jones
Jake Delhomme – Former Carolina Panthers QB
Sam Darnold is facing a huge campaign following his trade from the New York Jets. The Carolina Panthers are counting on the quarterback to make the necessary improvements – and quickly – to come through for this team far better than Teddy Bridgewater managed to accomplish in 2020.
Whether he can do that is another matter entirely. Darnold’s erratic decision-making might be his undoing if the same mistakes continue, with the protection in front of him absolutely pivotal to the USC product’s chances of finally living up to his promise.
Darnold might not be in competition with the likes of Will Grier or P.J. Walker.
But they aren’t the veteran role model the player might need during times of struggle throughout his first season in Carolina.
Adding Jake Delhomme would be hugely beneficial in this hypothetical scenario.
Not only would the signal-caller give Darnold all the support needed in pursuit of becoming a starting-caliber NFL quarterback. But if things went drastically wrong he could slot into the lineup at a moment’s notice and make things happen.
Delhomme was criminally underrated during his career. His 53-37 record as a starter with the Panthers also came with one Pro Bowl selection and he still holds the record for the longest touchdown pass in Super Bowl history.
Not only would Delhomme steer Darnold on the right path. He would also give them another primary option to call upon under center.