Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
It seems as though the Carolina Panthers and trying to do everything in their power to complicate matters at the quarterback position. A constant stream of poor decisions brought them to this point, with trading for Sam Darnold rather than picking up a potential franchise signal-caller from a strong 2021 draft class coming under the most scrutiny.
The Panthers thought they were getting a high-upside player in Darnold despite a disastrous first three seasons in the league. However, outside of an impressive run to start the campaign, it’s a gamble that’s not paid off by any stretch.
Carolina got Darnold back into the fold with minimal success against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Matt Rhule seems intent on attempting to turn around this reclamation project, even if it appears past the point of no return.
If Darnold does start over the next fortnight, then it needs to come with an unbelievable turnaround in form. Easier said than done in front of a torrid offensive line and decreased confidence from the player’s perspective.
Darnold is fighting for his NFL future. Although his days as a starter appear long gone unless the Panthers give him some sort of reprieve in 2022.
What comes next over the final two fixtures will go a long way to determining Darnold’s fate. But it’s not looking good.