Sam Darnold looks like he’s one and done in Carolina. After starting for the Panthers in 2021, Darnold is going to begin the 2022 season on the bench, behind Baker Mayfield, as the Panthers made the decision Monday.
The Panthers acquired Mayfield in June for a conditional fifth-round kick in 2024 that can become a fourth after a long search for an upgrade on Darnold, including flirting with Deshaun Watson before he was ultimately traded to the Browns.
Darnold posted a 4-7 record in 2021, throwing for 2,527 yards with just nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions. The Panthers originally traded for Darnold last offseason, sending fourth and sixth-round picks in 2021 and a second-round pick in 2022.
The Panthers picked up Darnold’s fifth-year option after acquiring the quarterback, locking him in for almost $19 million.
