Panthers GM Scott Fitterer: Sam Darnold 'in the lead' for starting QB job
It was just less than four years ago when Sam Darnold was the third overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. After three largely unsuccessful seasons with "Gang Green" and in need of a fresh start, Darnold was traded to the Carolina Panthers in April 2021.
The 24-year-old struggled again with on-field production and injuries last year though, and his role on the team could be in question. Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer addressed the team's quarterback situation on Friday.
Fitterer added that if Newton were to come back and play with Carolina, he would have to want to come back and understand his role. ESPN's David Newton quoted the GM as saying that the "best player is going to play" under center.
Darnold opened the 2021 campaign as the Panthers starter and threw for over 300 yards in three straight contests from Weeks 2 to 4. After a 3-0 beginning to the year though, Carolina lost four in a row and five of its next six with Darnold as the man in charge, and he threw 10 interceptions between Weeks 4 and 9.
The USC product suffered a shoulder injury during the team's Week 9 loss to the New England Patriots. He was placed on injured reserve and missed the next five contests. During Darnold's injury absence, the Panthers brought back their former MVP in Newton, but he struggled mightily and ultimately saw the starting job go back to Darnold for Weeks 15, 16 and 17.
More must-reads: