San Francisco 49ers could sign Sam Darnold
This one might take a little longer due to the current situation surrounding Jimmy Garoppolo. The veteran is now surplus to requirements as the San Francisco 49ers move forward with Trey Lance, which leaves them in a hole thanks to the $26.95 million owed on his deal and almost no trade interest from elsewhere.
The Carolina Panthers were believed to be one of the teams looking at Garoppolo but were put off by his salary and the offseason surgery on the player’s throwing shoulder. Considering what they managed to get Baker Mayfield for, it was the right call to make.
Once it is financially viable to do so, the Niners will likely release Garoppolo. This gives the Eastern Michigan product a chance to sign elsewhere and compete for a starting job but also leaves them short of a good backup in case Lance fails to meet objectives.
That’s where Sam Darnold comes in. The California native can be Lance’s understudy, help the second-year-pro adjust to a starting role, and progress his own skills as part of Kyle Shanahan’s offensive scheme.
Darnold’s time in Carolina was a complete disaster despite an encouraging start. His career prospects are now hanging in the balance following Mayfield’s arrival and starting from scratch in San Francisco or elsewhere could be beneficial for his long-term hopes.