What things must happen for the Carolina Panthers to stand any chance of trading quarterback Sam Darnold before the 2022 season?
Sam Darnold’s defiant interview on Bussin’ with the Boys recently doesn’t change the fact his future with the Carolina Panthers is hanging in the balance. The quarterback had a huge opportunity with increased talent around him following his trade from the New York Jets, but it was something that he couldn’t make the most of despite a promising start.
The former first-round pick out of USC is now on course to becoming one of the biggest draft busts in recent memory. Carolina had their reasons for bringing the signal-caller on board due to his age and a lack of stability at MetLife Stadium, but there are now undeniable flaws in Darnold’s game that he simply cannot work out en route to becoming a successful NFL starter.
As soon as the 2021 season came to a conclusion, the Panthers began swinging for the fences in the trade market once again. An inquiry for Russell Wilson was shot down pretty early on and their year-long pursuit of Deshaun Watson eventually ended with those in power refusing to match the contract given to the Clemson product by the Cleveland Browns.
This could be good news for Darnold with options dwindling. But it would be a grave lack of efficiency if the Panthers didn’t bring in a replacement or competition for the fifth-year-pro, at the very least.
Even though there has been little to no interest in any other team moving for Darnold, the prospect of Scott Fitterer striking a deal cannot be dismissed. Here are three things that need to happen before this scenario comes to fruition.