Carolina Panthers will have to search for a new veteran quarterback as former starter Sam Darnold has signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers. The news was confirmed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter, who reported that Darnold has agreed to join the 49ers in the upcoming season.
The Carolina Panthers acquired Darnold from the New York Jets in April 2021 in exchange for a 2021 6th-round pick, a 2022 2nd-round pick, and a 2022 4th-round pick.
However, in his two seasons with the Panthers, Darnold failed to make a significant impact, throwing for 3,670 yards, 16 touchdowns, and 16 interceptions.
Although Darnold struggled in his first year with the team, some of the blame can be placed on poor offensive line play. In six starts last season, Darnold showed more comfort and made better decisions, leading the team to a 4-2 record while throwing for 1,143 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions.
Despite preliminary talks between Darnold and the Panthers, the team will now have to find a new veteran/bridge quarterback for the upcoming season. As the quarterback market continues to shift with each passing day, it will be interesting to see who the Panthers will turn to next.
