Matt Rhule Was Reportedly Fixated on Sam Darnold Before 2021 Trade to Panthers

Former Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule reportedly heavily influenced the front office's decision to trade for quarterback Sam Darnold during the 2021 offseason.

ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported Wednesday a team source described Rhule's leadership approach was to "wear everybody out" until he got what he wanted, with the Darnold deal being one key example.

"It was Darnold, Darnold, Darnold [for Rhule] that offseason," a Panthers front-office source told Fowler.

How the Panthers would fill their quarterback void was the biggest question when Rhule was hired in January 2020. He was fired two weeks ago with an answer at the sport's most important position still elusive.

Carolina held the No. 7 pick in the 2020 draft and considered trading up but opted against the idea amid "concern that trading draft capital to make it happen could hurt other areas of the team," per Fowler.

The Panthers watched as Joe Burrow, Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert came off the board inside the first six selections. They grabbed defensive tackle Derrick Brown, a high-impact player in his own right, but the chance to get a franchise QB slipped away.

Teddy Bridgewater, who was signed in free agency ahead of the 2020 season, also wasn't the solution, which led Carolina to Darnold in 2021.

The former USC standout had produced three mediocre seasons with the New York Jets, but Rhule pushed forward with his interest, showing he was "willing to overlook Darnold's well-documented problems with turnovers and accuracy," per Fowler.

It didn't work out, as Darnold threw nine touchdowns and 13 interceptions across 12 appearances last season. Carolina tried another quarterback change this year, acquiring Baker Mayfield from the Cleveland Browns, but that also hasn't produced the desired results.

So the Panthers' hunt for a long-term QB continues, and now it's taking place alongside the search for a new head coach.

Meanwhile, Darnold may be in line for another chance to lead the Carolina offense before season's end as he moves closer to a return from an ankle injury.

P.J. Walker was announced as the team's starter for Sunday's road game against the Atlanta Falcons after leading the team to a 21-3 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 7.