3 reasons the Carolina Panthers must keep Sam Darnold in 2022

Sam Darnold can help the Carolina Panthers win with Christian McCaffrey

Often forgotten in the awful finish to the season was the fact that Sam Darnold won his first three starts with the Carolina Panthers. He threw three touchdowns to only one interception and surpassed 270 passing yards in each of those games.

Something he would accomplish only once more the rest of the season. Something that coincided with Christian McCaffrey’s injury problems and a sharp increase in competition.

When this offense is clicking and everyone is healthy Darnold proved he can manage it effectively and help the team win games. He won’t be the reason the team wins, but in the perfect situation, he can contribute.

Having a player behind Baker Mayfield – who has at least had a small level of success – should be considered a win. Though his price tag is way beyond the normal backup quarterback, the Panthers are stuck paying him whether he is sitting at home or sitting on the bench behind the Heisman Trophy winner.

Darnold isn’t capable of leading this roster to wildcard contention. However, if the team needs an injury replacement for a game or more they will have a hard time finding a better answer at this point in the preseason.

Keeping Darnold might not be a move many Panthers fans want to see happen. But it makes sense looking at the bigger picture.