5 Panthers players who could be one-and-done after 2021 season
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
- 2022 cap hit – $18.85 million
Sam Darnold arrived at the Carolina Panthers as someone that was talented and potentially a product of his environment with the New York Jets. Something that looked entirely possible after a promising start from the quarterback en route to a 3-0 record to begin the campaign.
To say things unraveled quickly where Darnold was concerned would be understating things ever so slightly. Christian McCaffrey’s injury exposed the former USC star for what he is – a player that doesn’t handle pressure well, makes costly mistakes, and cannot go through his reads efficiently.
There is a chance Darnold sees the field before the end of the season after medical staff cleared him for contact. Although benching Cam Newton is a massive call to make in favor of a signal-caller that’s flattered to deceive throughout his career.
Carolina has a big problem on its hands at the most important position on the field. They gave up three draft picks for Darnold and activated his fifth-year option for good measure, so those in power might decide to give him one more opportunity to prove himself in 2022.
If they decide to start over for a third-straight offseason, finding a trade partner for Darnold will be difficult. The Panthers would need to eat up a considerable amount of his guaranteed $18.85 million to accomplish this, which restricts their ability to strengthen other areas of the roster.
This whole situation is a complete mess. Unless the Panthers come up with a better way of evaluating pro talent at the quarterback position, then the same complications will emerge next season.