Ranking the 9 potential Carolina Panthers starting QB options in 2022

Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB

Had the Carolina Panthers not picked up Sam Darnold‘s fifth-year option following his trade from the New York Jets, then there’s every chance he would already be on the NFL scrapheap. However, no team is going to take on his $18.85 million fully guaranteed in 2022, so the organization just has to suck it up and try and salvage what’s left of his career.

Darnold blew a massive chance to silence his doubters last season. A surprisingly good start was swiftly followed by the same old problems creeping into his game, with poor footwork, inept processing, and damning decision-making proving to be his downfall once again.

Not even the great Sean Ryan was able to eradicate Darnold’s flaws. And the Panthers have made no secret about searching for an upgrade this offseason.

With options dwindling and the concerns surrounding this draft class already discussed, Matt Rhule and Scott Fitterer seemed to change their tune regarding Darnold during their media availability at the NFL owners’ meetings in Florida. Something that might suggest the USC product could be manning the plate in 2022.

This would not go down well with the team’s fanbase. At all.

But there don’t appear to be many decent alternatives without giving up draft capital or taking a significant risk at the top end of the draft. If Darnold does start and fluffs his lines again, then Carolina would be in contention to land someone like Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud in 2023.