4 Panthers who were very lucky during the 2022 offseason

Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB

Much like the situation with Matt Rhule, the level of consistency displayed by Sam Darnold following his trade from the New York Jets was simply not up to the required standard. This was the fourth-straight year where the quarterback has failed to prove his worth and the decision to trigger his fifth-year option with a guaranteed $18.85 million attached has only complicated matters further for the Carolina Panthers this offseason.

It obviously did not stop the Panthers from swinging for the fences once again. Their inquiry for Russell Wilson was shot down quickly and a year-long, controversial pursuit of Deshaun Watson also failed after the signal-caller agreed to join the Cleveland Browns.

This was fantastic news for Darnold, in all honesty.

Carolina did draft Matt Corral and could acquire another veteran in the trade market before training camp. But as of right now, the former USC star is in the driving seat.

Darnold’s status is hanging by a thread. And it’s not going to fill anybody with much confidence if the No. 3 overall selection in 2018 is under center in Week 1.

The Panthers cannot bet a crossroads campaign on Darnold miraculously ridding himself of the flaws that have damaged his career so far. Some twists and turns could be upcoming, but the quarterback has definitely been very lucky to this point.