We’re seemingly getting closer and closer to the Carolina Panthers finally awarding their starting quarterback job to Baker Mayfield. But that doesn’t necessarily mean they’re getting any closer to dumping away Sam Darnold.
According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, the Panthers are still not seeking out a trade for the 25-year-old passer.
“It’s likely to happen after the second preseason game,” Wilson writes of Carolina putting an end to their competition under center. “But although Mayfield is taking charge of the offense, that doesn’t necessarily mean that Darnold is headed out of town.
“Not surprisingly, a league source reiterated that Darnold is not being made available via a potential trade.”
Although this battle is nearing its end, Carolina may have the same stance they did on Darnold about two weeks ago—that he’s going nowhere. After a rumor about the Panthers shopping the quarterback made its rounds back on Aug. 8, Darnold told reporters that general manager Scott Fitterer assured him he wasn’t on the block.
“I talked to Scott and he said not to worry about it,” Darnold said following a training camp session. “So, to be honest, before he even talked to me, I didn’t even see it. So, like I said, like I continue to say, I’m going to continue to do me and do what I can to put myself in a good position and put this team in a good position.”
But his position, at least to start the campaign, is likely going to be on the bench.
