4 best and worst-case scenarios for Panthers QB Sam Darnold in 2022
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold is traded to a QB-needy team
There have been so many dominoes falling across the league at the quarterback position it’s been hard to keep up at times. From bombshell trades to free-agent signings, the movement will not soon be forgotten in league circles and has undoubtedly shifted the landscape moving forward.
Some teams, the Carolina Panthers included, are still searching for their own answer under center. The Detroit Lions, Seattle Seahawks, and Pittsburgh Steelers appear the most obvious, but there has been almost no speculation linking Sam Darnold with being traded as yet.
Of course, that could change. And it would be a surprise if the Panthers weren’t trying to deal the USC product to a reluctant suitor providing they have a replacement lined up.
This might actually be a good thing for Darnold. It would allow him to either sit behind a veteran and remove himself from the limelight akin to what we saw with Jameis Winston or land on a franchise where he might get some playing time if all else fails.
Darnold is probably aware his production has not been good enough. Sometimes he looks sensational, but these times are fleeting and mechanical issues surrounding his game haven’t gotten any better despite the Panthers betting big he can turn things around.