The Panthers have officially picked up Sam Darnold‘s fifth-year option, per a club announcement. This was the expected move after they passed on Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields to select South Carolina cornerback Jaycee Horn at No. 8. 
[RELATED: Panthers Pick Up D.J. Moore’s Option]
The Panthers came into Thursday night knowing that Trevor Lawrence and Zach Wilson were virtual locks to go Nos. 1 and 2, respectively. Unlike other teams, they weren’t all that wild about North Dakota’s Trey Lance, who went No. 3. Fields reportedly held “intrigue” for the Carolina front office, but they chose to bolster the secondary instead.
Meanwhile, it’s undoubtedly a confidence booster for Darnold, who is coming off of a turbulent stretch with the Jets. Darnold, still just 23, has yet to deliver on the hype he carried in 2018. Last year, he ranked last in QBR among qualified passers and he has yet to eclipse 20 touchdown passes in a season. He’s also missed at least three games in each of his three seasons, including a lengthy stay on the sidelines due to an enlarged spleen.
The once-coveted prospect will replace Teddy Bridgewater (now with the Broncos) under center. Surrounded by old pal Robby Anderson, star running back Christian McCaffrey, and fellow ’18 draftee D.J. Moore, Darnold has a great opportunity to reignite his career.
Would have been fun watching Fields and Darnold compete mano a Mono.
that pun is criminal
I always enjoy these stories. Guy has 3 years of film in college and another 3 in the NFL; yet his new team will ‘finally unlock his potential’. Sure!
Len Dawson. Jim Plunkett. Steve Young. Vinny Testaverde. Rich Gannon. Ryan Tannehill.
All busts or nobodies at one time.
the thing is there was one problem and his name is Adam Gase. Look at all the skill players under him that did better once they left his coaching. Tannehill, Landry, Fitzpatrick, Drake, Anderson, Suh … the list goes on and on. The man just does not know how to coach.
Darnold may not be an all pro QB after leaving Jets but i think he will be atleast middle of the pack but definitely not at the bottom where he currently is.
Soooo – no more articles on yesterdays draft? Did I miss where they stopped picking at 25? Or do you guys just go to bed early since its only the draft ( not like this is a site dedicated to NFL or anything).
Doesn’t everyone wish they just went to bed after the Etienne pick?
Random and off topic:
The first three WR taken last night were reunited with their college QB. That’s crazy
lol technically yes… Hurts threw 70 passes in 2018.
They won’t regret passing on Fields for Darnold at all. USC does not make good NFL quarterbacks. When Carson Palmer is the gold standard, you know it’s bleak.
Not that tOSU does any better, and I’m a Buckeye fan
The Panthers really have no choice but to pick up Darnold’s option as they have zero depth at the QB position. They should be drafting high next season so Sam may again find himself as a backup guy unless he shows some significant progress this year.