Four years into his NFL career, Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold is still waiting for his moment to come.
It could have happened when the New York Jets selected him third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft.
However, he never really panned out the way they expected him to be.
His best year came in 2019 when he had 3,024 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 13 interceptions.
After the 2021 season, the USC alumnus has 54 touchdowns and 52 interceptions.
The Panthers gave him a fresh start after trading for him before the 2021 season.
But while his campaign started out strong, he eventually fizzled, especially without running back Christian McCaffrey.
He had another chance to redeem himself, but the Panthers named Baker Mayfield their starter for Week 1.
Yes, Darnold will have to stay on the bench until Mayfield falters.
Still, FOX Charlotte’s Will Kunkel pointed out something positive about Darnold.
Sam Darnold may not have won the starting QB job but that dude is a solid man and teammate.
— Will Kunkel (@WillKunkelFOX) August 22, 2022
Kunkel tweeted, “Sam Darnold may not have won the starting QB job but that dude is a solid man and teammate.”
He did not make a fuss about losing to a player that joined the team just last month.
Darnold continues to perform his job, hoping that he will have his chance again.
With Mayfield winning the starting role, Darnold is an expensive backup because the team picked up his $18.8 million fifth-year option for 2022.
Will Darnold Become A Starter Again?
He could retake the role if Mayfield proved to be the wrong fit for the Panthers.
But the Oklahoma alumnus has so much fight in him that he will try to make it work.
Therefore, Darnold’s chances in Carolina dwindle because there are other options.
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