4 potential trade destinations for Sam Darnold in 2022
By Dean Jones
Pittsburgh Steelers
A changing of the guard could be taking place on the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason. There is some doubt as to whether 2021 will be the last one for Ben Roethlisberger, although his production so far this season hasn’t been the worst in the world by any stretch.
If Roethlisberger and the Steelers do go their separate ways this spring, it’s highly unlikely that either Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins is the long-term answer. They could attempt to land a coveted veteran – which won’t be cheap in the trade market – and the 2022 NFL Draft class doesn’t have many who could be Day 1 starters.
The Carolina Panthers would probably move Sam Darnold if the right opportunity came along. It’s convincing a team like the Steelers to pull the trigger that’s the tricky part.
Mike Tomlin is no fool. He’ll know Darnold’s flaws and might not be willing to take such a risk regardless of whether Roethlisberger stays or not.
This would be an ideal situation for Darnold. Even more so if Roethlisberger stays for another season.
However, there is a chance the perception across the league has gone from a victim of his environment to a lost cause where Darnold is concerned.
In truth, we won’t know for sure until the offseason. It’s also going to take a big financial sacrifice from the Panthers to get any deal over the line.