The Carolina Panthers hit the reset button at quarterback again this year. GM Scott Fitterer executed two QB trades this offseason, sending Teddy Bridgewater to the Broncos and getting Sam Darnold from the Jets.
Darnold’s numbers in New York were concerning to say the least. However, there’s enough promising moments on tape to believe he could be much better after a positive change in scenery. Darnold is also only 23 years old, so he still has time to prove himself in the NFL. It’s appropriate then that Darnold and the Panthers are in the “unproven” category in a ranking of each team’s quarterback outlook from Mike Jones at USA TODAY. Here’s what he said about Carolina’s QB situation.
“Playing under Adam Gase and equipped with few weapons, Sam Darnold didn’t get much of a chance to blossom with the Jets. Now that he’s paired with a bright offensive coordinator in Joe Brady, Darnold could have a better shot of developing as a pro.”
Darnold shares this tier with Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins, Jalen Hurts and the Eagles, plus Zach Wilson and the Jets.
On one hand, Darnold has the most experience of this group by far. Another year of development in the NFL could help him deliver on the potential that he flashes on film occasionally on a more full-time basis. That said, he’ll also be up for a new contract sooner than the rest and his production to date might be an indicator of a relatively low ceiling.
Darnold has high expectations, but at least the Panthers are doing their best to surround him with a solid supporting cast.
