5 Panthers players who don’t deserve another season in 2022

Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB

Acquiring Sam Darnold from the New York Jets could be the defining moment of the Matt Rhule era when it’s all said and done. The head coach and other decision-makers felt they saw enough on tape to convince themselves he could thrive in a different environment, which turned out to be a costly error in judgment that leaves the organization back to square one under center.

There are growing murmurings that the Panthers are looking to move on from Darnold this offseason despite general manager Scott Fitterer claiming he’d still be around in 2022. Another season of mediocrity or worse for Rhule is simply not an option and if he decides to hang his hat on the USC product, it’s going to have grave consequences.

Those in power could be forgiven for taking a chance on Darnold. But picking up his fifth-year option before seeing him in person is absolutely unforgivable.

Darnold didn’t have much protection in front of him and no reliable pass-catchers outside of D.J. Moore. However, his footwork, decision-making, and overall processing of information when the heat was on aren’t in keeping with a productive quarterback at the next level.

Carolina cannot treat Darnold like a rookie anymore. This is a four-year veteran that’s shown no signs of removing key flaws from his game.

The prospect of Rhule admitting he was wrong on yet another signal-caller is slim. So even though the Panthers might bring in some competition, Darnold could be around in 2022 even though most have already seen enough.