8 potential replacements for Carolina Panthers QB Sam Darnold in 2022
By Dean Jones
Sam Howell
This would no doubt be a popular move within the team’s fanbase. Sam Howell has been a shining star at North Carolina for the last three years and would bring a sense of excitement the fanbase hasn’t really enjoyed since the days of Cam Newton.
Howell has a fantastic arm and has no trouble gaining yards on the ground when required. There has been some slight regression from the signal-caller in 2021, but that wasn’t entirely unexpected after most of his dynamic playmakers in the passing game departed for the NFL this spring.
The prospect is expected to go anywhere in the mid-to-late first round, which would put him in play for the Panthers if they decided to go down the draft route in search of a replacement for Sam Darnold. Of all the players at the position coming out of the college ranks in 2022, Howell is arguably the most NFL-ready.
There are some concerns about Howell’s durability once he gets to the next level. Setting his feet in the correct fashion is something else that needs work before assuming command under center.
However, his deep ball accuracy is a sight to behold, and Howell’s leadership capabilities have been a prominent feature of his overall contribution to the Tarheels. Whether the Panthers want to bring the hometown hero to Bank of America Stadium when it’s all said and done is another matter.