Ranking every starting quarterback in the NFL after 2022 Free Agency
There have been many mind-blowing trades in the NFL over the last several seasons but the Panthers’ acquisition of Darnold from the Jets is perhaps the most unfathomable. After trading three (!!!) draft picks to the Jets, including a second-rounder, Carolina then picked up his fifth-year option which all but guaranteed he would be their quarterback for at least two seasons.
Thinking that they could fix the damage that Adam Gase caused, the Panther got a reality check rather quickly. With 2,527 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and thirteen interceptions in eleven starts last season, Darnold was benched numerous times as he battled injuries. The Panthers routinely made it clear they would rather play P.J. Walker or Cam Newton over him despite both players also struggling immensely.
After swinging and missing on Deshaun Watson, Darnold returns again for the 2022 season. His supporting cast which includes Christian McCaffery and DJ Moore is solid but not enough to mask his issues as a passer. Almost certain to draft a passer in April’s draft, the Darnold era in Carolina is coming to an end.