4 Carolina Panthers players facing one final audition at the Bucs in Week 18

Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB

It’s clear for all to see that the Carolina Panthers still believe in Sam Darnold. This is obviously in spite of a hugely concerning run of performances following an impressive three-game stint to begin the campaign.

Acquiring Darnold from the New York Jets – parting ways with three draft picks to get the deal done -was a big gamble that hasn’t paid off. But the player can be thankful Carolina picked up his fifth-year option right now.

This makes it extremely difficult for the Panthers to remove Darnold from the equation. Although it probably won’t stop team owner David Tepper from casting aspiring glances on a big fish in the trade market.

Simply put, the Panthers aren’t in a position to do this at the moment. So riding it out with Darnold and strengthening other areas might be the best solution for long-term success.

That’s tough to say. And fans aren’t going to be thrilled having to sit through yet another season of potentially mediocre production under center.

However, this could change if Darnold bombs out in a big way at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. And based on recent games, the margin for error is pretty slim.

The Panthers cannot continue in this fashion at the most important position on the field. But there hands are clearly tied where Darnold is concerned and have to make the best of a bad situation.