Just when Sam Darnold’s future clears, it is a mess again.
Panthers general manager Scott Fitter said the team would not decide on a fifth-year option for the 2022 season after the 2021 CFL draft, which starts Thursday.
It was reported shortly after the Panthers traded three draft picks for Darnold on April 5 that they planned to exercise a $ 18.5 million contract option – so it represents either a reconsideration or a draft smokescreen.
Deadlines are set for NFL teams to decide whether to choose five-year options from all of the first-round draft picks of 2018. Four months before the start of each player’s fourth season. Most teams wait until after the draft, even when an option is clearly going to be exercised, such as the Giants and Saquon Barclay.
“We have a strong plan,” Fitter said.
It is scandalous to think that the Panthers would trade as a one-year rental for Darnold when two of the two picks he gave in the 2022 draft as compensation. Rejecting their option would mean opening a door for them to go into free agency, negotiate longer-term extensions than expected or use highly expensive franchise tags to keep them.
Is it possible that the Panthers could draft a quarterback like Mack Jones, Justin Fields or Trey Lance with the No. 8 pick next week? If they do, the writing is on the wall that does not substitute for Darnold. It seems more like a bluff to create a trade market for the pick.
“There are actually many of them that we’re excited about,” Fitterer said of the quarterback. “But who are we really not going to?”
Darnold was considered the future quarterback for the Jets. He was traded to make way for presumed No. 2 pick Zach Wilson, before the roster, coaching and front-office turnovers lasted just three disappointing seasons.
The Panthers could draft an elite pass-catcher to use the No. 8 pick or tuck a left to help Darnold grow. Or they could set the play.
“I think you always learn from the experiences you have, and it’s not just the quarterback,” Fitter said. “This is every situation. I believe in bringing in the best players who can fit your team, create competition and upgrade your roster. So whether it’s a quarterback, a corner, it doesn’t matter. This is how they fit into our team, what is the path to success and what is our plan. “
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