Carolina Panthers are not shopping Sam Darnold
Just minutes before the Carolina Panthers were due to start practice, the rumor mill began swirling about the team reportedly shopping Sam Darnold for a trade. Although Benjamin Allbright’s initial report was retracted by the reporter and refuted by those around the team’s beat, it was obviously the cause of much debate and something the signal-caller even discovered for himself from general manager Scott Fitterer.
Speaking after the practice, Darnold stated that Fitterer told him there was nothing to the rumors and not to worry about it. Even if it is less than ideal, the former USC standout is trying to stay focused on the task at hand in pursuit of winning the starting job, however unlikely that might be.
"“I talked to Scott and he said not to worry about it. So, to be honest, before he even talked to me, I didn’t even see it. So, like I said, like I continue to say, I’m going to continue to do me and do what I can to put myself in a good position and put this team in a good position.”"
Darnold is having a solid camp. But there is a growing belief that this is now Baker Mayfield’s team after a significant upturn in production over the last week.
Even though this leaves the No. 3 overall in 2018 looking at a backup role at best moving forward, it represents the best possible outcome for the Panthers as they look to improve results next season.
The Panthers will likely keep Darnold around. They are paying him $18.85 million fully guaranteed and won’t get another team taking on that financial sum for a backup, even if this does put Matt Corral’s rookie development into question.