4 Panthers veterans who could lose job status to a rookie in 2022

Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB

To say Sam Darnold has a precarious situation ahead of him this offseason would be a major understatement. The quarterback is under more scrutiny than ever before after flattering to deceive once again following his trade from the New York Jets, leaving his status as the undisputed starter hanging by a thread if it’s even there at all.

The Carolina Panthers struck out with some trade moves before moving up to acquire Matt Corral in the third round. This was done with the long-term in mind, but offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo is sure to give the Ole Miss product every opportunity to win the starting job throughout the offseason program.

Carolina has not completely dismissed the possibility of trading for another veteran. Another significant obstacle for Darnold in this scenario.

The former USC star has failed to improve upon clear flaws in his game. Christian McCaffrey’s presence in the backfield masked these over the first three weeks of 2021, but it didn’t take long for the complications to resurface once the All-Pro went out of the lineup.

If Darnold does end up starting in Week 1 and continues to disappoint, then the Panthers will have little choice other than to throw Corral in and the deep end. This is also likely to end the veteran’s chances of ever starting in the NFL again.