Sam Darnold Trade Rumors: Panthers QB's 'Value Has Cratered' Ahead of Free Agency

The Carolina Panthers could have a difficult time trading Sam Darnold after a poor 2021 season, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated. 

"His value has cratered, and it sure seems like Carolina might need to eat some of his money to deal him," Breer reported Monday.

The Panthers sent three draft picks, including a 2022 second-rounder, to the New York Jets in exchange for Darnold last offseason. The organization also picked up the quarterback's fifth-year option, guaranteeing him $18.9 million in 2022, per Spotrac. 

Darnold did not live up to expectations with just nine passing touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 12 appearances (11 starts). His 33.2 QBR was third-worst in the NFL among qualified quarterbacks, ahead of only rookies Justin Fields and Zach Wilson. 

The 24-year-old had a strong start to the season with three straight wins before a close loss to the Dallas Cowboys. In the first four games, Darnold had five passing touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns.

In his next eight games, the quarterback was responsible for just four scores.

A shoulder injury cost Darnold more than a month, causing the team to bring in Cam Newton, but neither did much to help an offense that finished 29th in points scored (17.9 per game) and 30th in total yards (5,081).

It's clear Carolina is in need of an upgrade at the position, but there could be limited flexibility with Darnold's contract clogging up the salary cap.

If the Panthers pick up a significant part of his salary in a trade, an opposing team could be willing to offer the high-upside quarterback another chance. The No. 3 overall pick in the 2018 draft has showed flashes of quality play, especially in his second season with 3,024 passing yards and 19 touchdowns in 13 games.

Darnold has spent time with four offensive coordinators in four years, including Jeff Nixon on an interim basis last season, so his team will hope to find someone who can get the most out of the young quarterback.