Two potential scenarios for Panthers QB Sam Darnold highlighted
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold’s future is in some doubt after a difficult 2021, with Spotrac highlighting two potential scenarios this offseason.
We could be seeing the end of Sam Darnold’s time as a full-time NFL starter this offseason. A disappointing first season under center for the Carolina Panthers in 2021 has his future hanging in the balance, with speculation mounting further this week after a report surfaced surrounding a call to the Minnesota Vikings about a potential trade for Kirk Cousins.
Darnold cannot do much about what comes next, in all honesty. He’ll know more than anyone his production was nowhere near good enough following a high-profile trade from the New York Jets, but picking up the USC product’s fifth-year option before OTAs and training camp restricts what the Panthers might be able to do in the coming weeks.
This whole situation is a complete mess. Something that typifies the poor pro personnel evaluation at the most important position on the field over the last three years since Matt Rhule took over from Ron Rivera as head coach.
There is so much up in the air where the Panthers are concerned. Rhule is firmly on the hot seat, many established veterans are out of contract, and some key positional groups need a substantial makeover if the team wants to stand any chance of progression next time around.
The fate of Darnold is one that came under the microscope in a recent feature by Michael Ginnitti of Spotrac, who highlighted the distinct lack of clarity regarding the No 3 overall selection in 2018’s future in Carolina.
Sam Darnold could still be starting Week 1 for the Carolina Panthers
Even with the intense speculation linking Carolina with almost every trade candidate, draft prospect, and free agent under the sun, Ginnitti claimed the most likely outcome is that Darnold will be the Panthers starter in Week 1 before a rookie signal-caller is ready to assume command under center. A hill that Rhule has threatened to die on in the past.
"“Despite a likely high draft selection of a QB this year from Carolina, Darnold is the Week 1 starter. He eventually gives way to the rookie sometime in 2022.”"
Ginnitti also projected a slightly possible scenario that involved trading Darnold to another team while taking on a large portion of his contract to seal the move. Something which one suspects will be a tough sell considering how inconsistent the signal-caller has been since arriving at the next level as a highly-touted draft prospect.
"“Carolina finds a trade partner, but has to take on a portion of the salary to move him out. There are no restrictions to this process, meaning the Panthers can convert all the way up to $17.8M of the salary into signing bonus prior to trading him, sending along a minimum salary to the new team.”"
There are plenty of moving pieces that will become clearer in the not-too-distant future. But if claims the Panthers were inquiring about Cousins are correct, then Darnold’s future with the organization looks incredibly bleak.
The Jets got out while the going was good regarding Darnold’s potential and acquired some valuable draft capital in return. Unfortunately, the Panthers might not be so lucky and this decision has the potential to be the defining moment of Rhule’e tenure if things don’t start trending in the right direction quickly.
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All Darnold can do is wait and hope the Panthers give him a reprieve. But the NFL is a ruthless business and Carolina has already demonstrated a willingness to switch quarterbacks quickly if things aren’t transpiring as anticipated.