Following the conclusion of the 2021-22 season, Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer made it clear the quarterback job was wide open. However, it appears he’s had a change of heart.
Sam Darnold is on contract with the Panthers for the 2022 season. He’ll become an unrestricted free agent in 2023. Although he didn’t perform well last year, the Panthers don’t have many other quarterback options at the moment.
Fitterer told reporters on Friday that Darnold is “in the lead” to be Carolina’s starting quarterback this upcoming season.
The Panthers GM had previously said the team’s quarterback job was “open.”
“The whole key is bringing Sam [Darnold] along,” Panthers GM Scott Fitterer said. “He’s in the lead for that job.” After the season Fitterer said the QB job was “open.”
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) March 25, 2022
“The whole key is bringing Sam [Darnold] along,” Fitterer said, via ESPN’s David Newton. “He’s in the lead for that job.”
The good news is the Panthers still have time to make a move at the quarterback position.
Carolina is expected to take a quarterback with the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. Malik Willis or Kenny Pickett could be options there, but Willis might be off the board by then.
The Panthers were also believed to be interested in trading for Jimmy Garoppolo. However, Fitterer also revealed on Friday that the team hasn’t had any conversations recently about a quarterback trade.
Scott Fitterer says he hasn’t had any recent conversations with teams about trading for a QB, but adds he’ll explore every option. Mentions team has to call him.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 25, 2022
It’s more than likely Sam Darnold is the Panthers’ starting quarterback for at least some of the 2022 season. Drafting a quarterback, meanwhile, feels like necessity at this point.
Letting Darnold run the offense while a rookie studies from the bench could be a successful longterm plan.
The post Panthers GM: Sam Darnold “In The Lead” For Team’s Starting QB Job appeared first on The Spun.