4 reasons the Panthers shouldn’t bring back Sam Darnold in 2023

Despite his mini-resurgence this season, there are many reasons for the Carolina Panthers not to bring back quarterback Sam Darnold in 2023.

Now that the Carolina Panthers are embarking on a crucial 2023 offseason, many questions remain about which direction the franchise is heading. One of the biggest talking points surrounds the quarterback position and Sam Darnold’s future next season.

Darnold‘s prospects looked bleak last summer after Matt Corral and Baker Mayfield joined the ranks. His task to get back on the field looked especially concerning after a high ankle sprain during the preseason sent him to injured/reserve.

As it turned out, Darnold got another chance and demonstrated real improvements. It wasn’t enough for the Panthers to make a shocking postseason appearance, but his upturn in production gave him a fighting chance of salvaging his career, at the very least.

Much will depend on how a new coaching staff perceives Darnold’s ability. But here are four legitimate reasons why the Panthers should go in a different direction.

Reason No. 1

Sam Darnold has limitations

While Sam Darnold’s progress upon returning to the lineup was encouraging, he was incredibly well-insulated by the Carolina Panthers. Steve Wilks and Ben McAdoo implemented a run-first mentality behind a superb offensive line, which limited the former USC star’s mistakes and kept games out of his hands more often than not.

Darnold has limitations, there’s no getting away from that. Whether that puts the Panthers off from making him their bridge option or not is the big question.