5 Carolina Panthers players with most to prove in 2022 training camp
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
Sam Darnold has never had competition for his spot before. The quarterback was the undisputed starter over his first four seasons in the NFL, but he is now facing a real fight for his future after flattering to deceive once again following his trade from the New York Jets.
Darnold just didn’t show enough for the Carolina Panthers to willingly hand him the keys to the kingdom in 2022. His suspect footwork and erratic decision-making proved to be a fatal flaw and those in power went all out for an upgrade this spring.
In fact, they might have found two.
Matt Corral was selected at No. 94 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft with the long-term in mind. The Panthers also struck a deal with the Cleveland Browns for Baker Mayfield after a cat and mouse game than spanned months.
This leaves Darnold facing the prospect of going from No. 1 to No. 3 on the depth chart. Something that could see the player traded if there is interest or released with a whopping dead-cap sum coming Carolina’s way.
The former USC standout has drawn praise for his approach this offseason. Darnold knew that competition was coming, but he is at least willing to fight it out in pursuit of getting another unlikely opportunity.
Darnold has his work cut out. So it’ll be interesting to see how the signal-caller progresses in the coming weeks.