Sam Darnold Not Discounting Departure From Carolina Panthers: “If They Don’t Think I’m The Guy, It Is What It Is.”

NFL franchise Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold seems not interested in any rumors surrounding his future. Darnold had a tough start in Carolina during the 2021 NFL campaign under head coach Matt Rhule. Despite making a good start last season, the playoffs were an extremely high expectation as they went on a demoralizing losing streak.

While talking on the “Bussin’ with the Boys” podcast with Titans tackle Taylor Lewan and free-agent linebacker Will Compton, Darnold showcases belief in his abilities. He believes he has proved to everyone how good of a QB he is. He remains unconcerned about the franchise searching for his replacement.

The No.3 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft remains ready for any scenario put in front of him by the Panthers organization, which declared the ‘open’ nature of their QB situation. Panthers GM Scott Fitterer was among the teams looking to recruit Deshaun Watson before he decided to sign with the Browns. The franchise also possesses the 6th overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and has been scouting the young and available QBs.

What does the future hold for Sam Darnold?

The young QBs that the Panthers will be looking for include Kenny Pickett of Pittsburgh, Malik Willis of Liberty, and Matt Corral of Mississippi. Despite their search behind the scenes, Fitterer claims that Darnold remains in the driving seat for the starting job. The Panthers appear to be keeping all their options open, and Darnold seems to not be a fan of this approach.

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Darnold joined the team last season in April following a trade from the New York Jets in exchange for a sixth-rounder in 2021 and a second-and fourth-rounder in 2022. While it was an undesirable move to leave the Jets, Darnold states, “At the end of the day, it’s not my call. If they don’t think I’m the guy, it is what it is.”

While he did finish the season statistically as the worst QB in the league, injuries and misfortune saw him finish with a 4-7 win-loss record.

The 2021 season allowed him very little to no time in understanding offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo’s system. He remains keen to learn and prosper in this system while dealing with speculations surrounding his NFL future. Darnold might be feeling a sense of Déjà vu with the Panthers ahead of his preparations for the 2022 NFL season.

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