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

Carolina Panthers have a chance to reset

With Matt Rhule fired, Christian McCaffrey traded, and the promise of a new coaching staff coming into the franchise, the Carolina Panthers won’t get a better opportunity to finally put a long-term plan in place at the quarterback position. Something that was severely lacking under the previous regime, which settled for veteran trades that blew up in their face.

Sam Darnold was arguably the worst considering what the Panthers sacrificed to secure his services from the New York Jets. Although he took a step forward in 2022, the bar couldn’t have been lower and something that might lead Carolina into a complete reset at the position.

A quarterback room consisting of Matt Corral, a veteran bridge, and a rookie from the college ranks is likely. Perhaps the Panthers will also get another body onto the roster for training camp in case injury strikes.

Darnold would maintain a sense of continuity if nothing else. But with plenty of player turnover also anticipated this offseason, it doesn’t appear to be that important in the grand scheme of things.

The gunslinger should get another opportunity elsewhere based on his performances in the backend of 2022. Darnold has a different outlook these days after being written off, but the best he can arguably hope for is a backup role or short-term berth under center while a younger player with more promise gets up to speed.

That might be in Carolina, but starting afresh and with a concise plan for progression is the preferred option.