5 emergency options if the Panthers lose Sam Darnold to injury in 2021
By Dean Jones
What are some emergency options the Carolina Panthers could consider if quarterback Sam Darnold was forced to miss an extended period of time in 2021?
Whether Sam Darnold works out or not, it’s evident the Carolina Panthers are all-in on trying to fix the quarterback in 2021. They gave up three draft picks to land the signal-caller from the New York Jets, which represents a significant gamble that could go either way.
Darnold has missed 10 games over his first three seasons in the NFL. This wasn’t helped by playing in front of a dismal offensive line at MetLife Stadium and if the same happens in Carolina, it’s going to bring some significant complications to the team’s chances of progression.
The Panthers do have some questions to answer on their protection outside of Taylor Moton, their stud right tackle who recently signed a four-year deal to remain with the organization long-term. If they can’t solve these problems in good time, then Darnold is going to be in the firing line.
With this in mind, here are five potential options if the Panthers lose Darnold to injury in 2021.
Option No. 1
Will Grier – Potential Sam Darnold replacement
The Carolina Panthers would potentially wave the white flag and surrender the season without Sam Darnold. This could lead them to finally giving Will Grier a chance to show what he is capable of over an extended period on the field.
This is something Grier hasn’t been afforded as yet outside of his two rookie starts where he had little chance of making an impression. Much will depend on how much the former third-round pick has progressed since then, which we’ll get a better indication of during the preseason.
Grier has been working hard in the background without being preferred as a backup in 2020. But the simple fact is they’ll never get a better chance to see what he can do.