4 Carolina Panthers players who don’t deserve another season in 2023

Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB

Sam Darnold demonstrated growth last season when he finally got the starting gig back. But when it was time for the Carolina Panthers to put all their chips into the middle, he came up short once again.

Steve Wilks and Ben McAdoo did a good job of insulating Darnold behind a strong rushing attack. The Panthers also had an offensive line that became one of the league’s most-improved units in 2022.

This played to the former No. 3 overall selection’s strengths. But he couldn’t reach the required standard when needed most in Week 17 at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which is another example of a team only going so far with Darnold under center.

Frank Reich won’t want anything jeopardizing his ability to generate early momentum. With the one-time USC stud out of contract, they’ll never get a better chance for a fresh start and finally draft their quarterback of choice.

The Panthers need a veteran bridge or mentor depending on which college prospect comes into the fold. However, looking at Darnold’s full body of work from his time in Carolina and throughout the player’s NFL career, it would be a shock to see an extension come his way before free agency.