This is likely because the Panthers were unable to trade for any of the big QB names on the market, but I do think Sam can be successful and he's still only 24. He played well early on last season -- his passing yardage in the first four games was 279, 305, 304 and 301 -- before his season and his team's went to crap. I don't know if he'll ever be able to thrive under the Rhule regime but if he does start in '22 it'll likely be his last chance to establish himself , otherwise he'll be relegated to backup status from here on out. And the Panthers may still draft Pickett or Willis later this month.
The Charlotte Observer reports "there's a strong chance" Sam Darnold will be the Panthers' Week 1 starter.
Panthers GM Scott Fitterer called Darnold the lead for the quarterback job last month. Carolina overhauled its offensive coaching staff after Darnold went 4-7 with 13 interceptions over 11 starts in an injury-shortened first season with the Panthers. There's some "belief in the organization" that Darnold, who was the youngest starting quarterback in league history and is only 24, will take a step forward in 2022. After missing out on Deshaun Watson, the Panthers plan to run it back with Darnold over trading for a veteran starter, though Fitterer
hasn't ruled out a drafting quarterback with the No. 6 pick.
