3 Panthers players who could be traded before the 2022 season

Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB

This is the elephant in the room and has been ever since the 2021 season came to a conclusion.

Sam Darnold‘s production was less than stellar following his trade from the New York Jets. He folded miserably after a relatively strong start and it didn’t take long for the Carolina Panthers to explore yet another potential upgrade for the third successive offseason.

As of right now, the Panthers only have Matt Corral as legitimate competition for Darnold. The rookie third-rounder does have some likable traits, but there remains some doubt about just when the Ole Miss product will be ready to assume starting responsibilities.

If the Panthers secure the services of Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo, it immediately changes the landscape. Something that could see Carolina attempt to get another team to take on Darnold before the 2022 campaign.

Eating a large part of Darnold’s $18.85 million fully guaranteed is almost certain before any deal gets signed off. Although this does appear unlikely right now, it might shift in Carolina’s favor if injury strikes in training camp somewhere.

Darnold’s time as the undisputed starter is hanging by a thread. It will be a nervous few weeks before camp for the player despite an impressive showing during early offseason workouts.