NFL insider lays out the blueprint for Sam Darnold’s departure

(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Darnold
(Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports) Sam Darnold

ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler laid out the blueprint for a potential parting of the ways between the Carolina Panthers and quarterback Sam Darnold this offseason. 

Acquiring Sam Darnold from the New York Jets was a major gamble by the Carolina Panthers. Those in power felt they saw some traits within the quarterback that could be of use, even if the former first-round pick hadn’t shown any sort of consistency throughout his torrid three-year stint at MetLife Stadium.

As far as early signs go, it was pretty encouraging.

Darnold left a good impression in training camp and continued this momentum over the first three games. This also included a hallmark win over his old team and an unbeaten record for the organization – albeit in the face of inferior opposition.

However, things went downhill rapidly afterward.

Christian McCaffrey going down through injury meant Darnold had to survive without his primary comfort blanket. Something the USC product was simply unable to accomplish during a disastrous run of games that plunged his future with the franchise into serious doubt.

Darnold was like a rabbit in the headlights behind a porous offensive line. His indecision from the pocket was glaring and even though there were fleeting moments of hope, the same problems that blighted his time on the Jets reared their ugly head once again.

Perhaps it was a blessing in disguise when Darnold’s injury forced him to a lengthy spell on the sidelines. But any hope the signal-caller had of walking right back into the No. 1 spot came to an abrupt halt when the Panthers brought back Cam Newton for a sensational reunion.

The signs aren’t exactly promising for Darnold’s future in Carolina. Although the team did pick up his fifth-year option and a guaranteed $18.85 million before he’d even played a down.

A decision they’d like to have back.

But just where do the Panthers and Darnold go from here this offseason? ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler laid out the blueprint for a potential departure in a recent column focusing on the future of some established quarterbacks across the league.

ESPN insider links Sam Darnold to the Washington Football Team.

Fowler’s scenario sees Carolina strike a deal with the Washington Football Team for a low-end draft pick on the premise they pay $14.85 million of Darnold’s salary, leaving Ron Rivera’s men with just a $4 million bill.

"“So let’s pretend that Darnold is a de facto free agent. Paying a quarterback to leave for the second straight year isn’t an ideal practice, but it might be Carolina’s best move. And Washington reportedly showed interest in Darnold around the time the New York Jets traded him in April. However, not many are sold that Darnold will get a third chance to start.”"

Washington is getting some outstanding production from ex-Panthers player Taylor Heinicke right now, which has spearheaded a recent resurgence and some renewed hope they can reach the postseason for a second-straight year. Adding Darnold into the mix could throw a spanner in the works, although Fowler stated that Rivera and company were interested in the player before Carolina made their move.

If the Panthers decide to cut yet another quarterback experiment short after just one year, they’ll have to pay. Much like they did earlier this offseason by trading Teddy Bridgewater to the Denver Broncos for a sixth-rounder and $17 million in dead money.

This comedy of errors at the quarterback position is holding Carolina back. Darnold is the latest player gone wrong and devising a consice long-term plan this offseason is absolutely imperative to the team’s chances of success.

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