Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold’s recent comments surrounding his NFL career so far indicate a real sense of delusion.
The Carolina Panthers made a big splash by trading three draft picks over a two-year period – including what turned out to be the No. 35 overall selection – to acquire quarterback Sam Darnold from the New York Jets before the 2021 NFL Draft. This was seen as a calculated risk by the organization and one that those in power hoped could completely transform their fortunes under center.
Darnold started well enough over the first three games. He looked assured more often than not and took advantage of some less than stellar opposition to hit the ground running and leave more reasons to be encouraged.
However, things took a significant step backward once Christian McCaffrey went to the sidelines. Darnold returned to his erratic self, was inept under pressure, and reverted to the signal-caller that the Jets were quick to move on from once they secured the No. 2 overall selection last year.
The USC product completed 59.9 percent of his passes for 2,527 yards, nine touchdowns, and 13 interceptions. Darnold secured five scores on the ground, ended the campaign with a career-low passer rating of 71.9, attained a lowly 33.2 quarterback rating, and his poor production was further reflected in a dismal 55.2 grade from Pro Football Focus.
This has seen the Panthers explore every avenue regarding an upgrade this offseason. They struck out on Deshaun Watson after deciding not to match the bumper contract he received from the Cleveland Browns and the franchise is also taking a keen interest in some top prospects from the college ranks throughout the evaluation process.
This could see Darnold face a fight for his starting job next season. Although it’s difficult to envisage a scenario where he’s traded given Carolina picked up his fifth-year option with a fully guaranteed $18.85 million before he’d even participated in one practice.
Sam Darnold remains confident in his ability to lead the Carolina Panthers
Speaking on the Bussin’ with the Boys podcast recently, Darnold stated that he isn’t too concerned about Carolina’s pursuit of yet another option and feels that his production over the first four years of the player’s career indicates that he is a good quarterback and other teams would want him.
"“It truly is like whatever happens happens, because at the end of the day, it’s out of my control, and I know that. I have enough security in myself to where I can be like, ‘I know I’m a good quarterback. I know I can be a good quarterback in this league. I’ve proved it.’ And I know there’s a team, if something happens, that would want me.”"
Now, self-confidence and assurance are always some of the more positive traits to have. And there are moments when Darnold has flashed some quality at times.
However, to say that he is already proven is borderline delusion and indicates a distinct lack of awareness from a player whose career is hanging by a thread.
Darnold has accomplished almost nothing in four years. As stated by the film and the stats he has accomplished:
- 17-32 record
- 59.8 percent completion
- 212.5 passing yards per game average
- 54 touchdowns
- 52 interceptions (3.2%)
- 76.9 average passer rating
- 39.4 average QBR
- 18.45 average bad throw percentage
- 60.4 average PFF grade
These stats are not in keeping with a signal-caller that’s proven his worth as a starting-caliber NFL professional. To put it mildly.
Darnold isn’t going to come out and say he’s been poor and is a lost cause. That’s not going to be the best way to install whatever confidence is left among teammates and coaches heading into the 2022 offseason program.
It would be a big surprise if the Panthers went into OTAs and training camp with just Darnold and P.J. Walker as their options. Whether that’s via the draft, free agency, or another veteran trade for someone like Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield is the big question.
Either way, it’s not looking good for Darnold. But his recent comments suggest he is far from ready to throw in the towel.