4 best and worst-case scenarios for Panthers QB Sam Darnold in 2022
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold gets cast aside without a second look
This scenario would have probably already happened if the Carolina Panthers hadn’t picked up Sam Darnold’s fifth-year option before he’d even participated in one practice. However, this is the bed the organization made for itself and a further indication of just how badly managed the quarterback position has been under the current regime.
It would be a major surprise if Darnold is not on the roster by the time training camp rolls around. Although his chances of being the guaranteed starter are remote at best.
Carolina does have a substantial amount of salary-cap space and not many draft selections to accommodate within it. Much will depend on what their next move is at quarterback, but they might just have the financial resources available to remove Darnold entirely from the question if other needs are filled and a replacement is acquired.
Eating so much dead-cap money is something that’s blighted the Panthers for a considerable period of time. But one would be foolish to rule it out entirely and there is also the slight chance another team takes him on if Carolina agrees to pay a large portion of his contract.
Not having the opportunity to fight for a starting spot would be a disaster for Darnold. Even though there won’t be many fans upset if the Panthers actually went in this particular direction.