4 reasons the Panthers shouldn’t bring back Sam Darnold in 2023
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold might not be the best bridge option
Again, these reasons are nothing against the development Sam Darnold demonstrated in 2022. It’s also worth remembering he’s still just 25 years old, even if this doesn’t detract from an indifferent NFL career so far.
The Carolina Panthers might need a bridge option under center next season, which is why Darnold’s return cannot be ruled out entirely. Matt Corral is the only signal-caller under contract in 2023, but the organization doesn’t know for sure what it has in the Ole Miss product given he missed the entire campaign through injury.
One expects the Panthers to acquire a potential franchise quarterback early in the 2023 NFL Draft. However, they could be forced into a different way of thinking unless those in power trade up for someone like C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, or Will Levis.
Anthony Richardson remains a prospect of interest and should be around at No. 9 overall. But asking the Florida standout to immediately step in and make a difference is pushing things a little.
Even if the Panthers do draft a quarterback, another veteran is needed given Corral’s lack of experience. But there could be better bridge options than Darnold available via free agency or even through another trade.
Names like Jacoby Brissett, Jimmy Garoppolo, Ryan Tannehill, Tyler Huntley, Gardner Minshew, or even Taylor Heinicke could emerge as candidates. One could make a strong case for most being better alternatives to Darnold under a new regime.