3 options the Panthers have with Sam Darnold after Cam Newton return
Carolina Panthers somehow find a trade partner for Sam Darnold
If Cam Newton turns back the clock and we see the player of old for the remainder of the season, it might result in a longer-term stay with the Carolina Panthers. It could even prompt Scott Fritterer into a two-to-four-year contract, ending the Auburn product’s career back where it started.
With Newton now firmly entrenched as the starter for the foreseeable future, the Panthers could still draft a quarterback in 2022 or 2023 to sit and learn for a year in this eventuality.
Carolina needs a new face of the franchise-in-waiting to take the helm. With the quarterback room becoming quite crowded when everyone is healthy, it might be worth the Panthers looking for a potential trade partner for Sam Darnold this upcoming offseason.
Who will be desperate enough to pay $18 million for a fifth-year quarterback with substandard play coming off a shoulder injury?
Those looking for cap relief or a team in need of a stopgap and mentor for a rookie could be an option. Giving up a draft selection for $18 million to come off the books a year later may be appealing to a team without much wiggle room.
While on-field production may not be the most inspiring, filling in for a season to mentor a rookie can be money well spent on the development of a future quarterback for another team.
The Panthers must realize they will not get much in return as his trade value is lower than when the New York Jets were happy to let him go. Thankfully, owner David Tepper has deep pockets and will not feel the impact of Darnold’s tenure.
Carolina saves cap space and receives a draft pick in future years to replace what was lost.
Many variables are at play that makes any of these scenarios plausible.
Some of it depends on how well Newton performs, on Darnold being healthy and improving his skill set, and what contract negotiations may look like for Superman. Speculation will abound over the next 2-3 months and I am all for the intrigue.