4 possible destinations for Carolina Panthers QB Sam Darnold in 2023
By Dean Jones
Sam Darnold could join the 49ers
Looking a little deeper, the San Francisco 49ers could be another team on the lookout for veteran help this offseason. Jimmy Garoppolo is not getting an extension if Kyle Shanahan’s comments are any indication and with injury concerns to both Brock Purdy and Trey Lance, adding to the room is almost guaranteed in 2023.
The Niners have become synonymous with attaining offensive success no matter who is under center. San Francisco’s run game is prolific and their wide receivers are set up to get open quickly in pursuit of creating yards after the catch.
Couple this with an outstanding offensive line led by stud left tackle Trent Williams, and this would be a tremendous landing spot for Sam Darnold. One that would see him return to the California climate where he starred in college.
Darnold would link up with some familiar faces to smooth the transition in this scenario. The signal-caller and Christian McCaffrey formed a close bond on the Panthers and Steve Wilks also knows plenty about the player from his time as interim head coach last season.
San Francisco would shelter Darnold enough to ensure complications are kept to a minimum. At the very worst, he’d be a capable backup for Lance entering his crucial third NFL season.