On April 5th, 2021, The Carolina Panthers made a huge splash to spice up the NFL’s offseason. The Panthers received former 3rd overall draft pick from 2018, Quarterback Sam Darnold. In return the Jets came away with draft capital in a 6th round pick in ‘21 along with a 2nd and a 4th round pick in ‘22.
All offseason there were constant rumors flying around that the Panthers desperately wanted to upgrade from Teddy Bridgewater at the quarterback position. They were rumored as suitors for other QB's such as Deshaun Watson, and prospects in Justin Fields and Trey Lance. Finally after weeks of evaluations, they pulled the trigger on Sam Darnold.
During Darnold’s time with the Jets, he showed many flashes of the franchise quarterback he could become. However, I believe his failure in New York was purely due to the inadequate coaching and the pathetic talent he was surrounded with. In Charlotte, Sam will have a far better coaching staff with Matt Rhule and offensive guru Joe Brady. To go along with the coaching staff he will also be playing with a respectable offensive line, with All Pro running back Christian McCaffrey lining up behind him. On the outside he will have a studs in D.J. Moore and his old teammate Robby Anderson.
The only question that remains for the Panthers front office is what to do with Teddy Bridgewater. If it was up to me, I would try and move him as fast as possible to a quarterback needy team like the Broncos, Bears or Patriots. If they can’t pull off a trade I suspect he will be released.
Many analysts including myself predicted a trade in which the Panthers would move up in the draft and select the best quarterback available. However with the position already filled, I believe they will hold on to the 8th overall pick and select the best player available. I would assume they will go heavily on the offensive side of the ball after an all defensive draft last season.
Looking through the details of the trade, I give the Panthers an A+ on this acquisition. He has the skills and the experience to be a franchise quarterback he simply needs stability within an organization. I believe Darnold will make the most of his opportunity with the Panthers and will be a high quality starter for many years to come. I couldn't have executed a better trade myself.
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