Former first-rounder quarterback Sam Darnold could land with a new team this upcoming offseason and Panthers, Saints may be the top two fits. According to multiple reports, many sources believe Darnold will move on in 2025 to a new roster despite exceeding expectations. He will likely have a heavy market this upcoming free agency due to his in-game abilities and improvement from playing with the New York Jets. Originally selected in the 2018 NFL Draft, the USC product has established himself as a reliable starter in the league taking over for rookie J.J. McCarthy.
He never got that opportunity with the Jets, Panthers, or the San Francisco 49ers, where he was in a depth role. Darnold has been putting on an impressive resume with the Vikings, recording 932 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and a 118.9 passer rating. He was the Offensive Player of the Month in September, so his throwing abilities and finding his open targets are reasons why the Vikings are a highly competitive team this year. Many had doubts about Minnesota’s season after McCarthy suffered a season-ending injury before taking a snap in the league but Darnold has been holding it down.
However, this may not compensate that they’ll stick with Darnold as their signal-caller moving forward. McCarthy is set to return next season and the Vikings are hoping he can find his rhythm now thanks to Darnold’s getting the team ready. There should be plenty of interest and here is why the Panthers, Saints are fits.
Former First Rounder Sam Darnold May Shockingly Land Elsewhere – Panthers, Saints Possible Fits?
A Return to Carolina?
Assuming Darnold continues to play at the level he is right now, he is shaping himself to earn a big payday next offseason and that might happen with the Panthers. After another disastrous season, there’s no word on what the Panthers will do with their quarterback situation. They benched second-year Bryce Young in favor of Andy Dalton for a couple of games until they felt like Young was ready to get back in the mix. Dalton is not a starter anymore so the Panthers need to think about how they want to utilize Young effectively to develop him.
They should start building a legitimate supporting cast after trading Diontae Johnson to the Baltimore Ravens. They don’t have any weapons to work with anymore so Young can’t produce if he doesn’t have playmakers that have experience under their belt. However, if the Panthers play their cards right, they should sign Darnold back to get this offense back in the groove but that would only happen if they get new wide receivers. Rookie Xavier Legette is setting himself up to be the new No. 1 receiver next year so Adam Thielen might be the latest wideout to leave Carolina in 2025.
The New Regime
The New Orleans Saints are having one of the worst seasons in the past decade since losing seven straight matchups. However, they may have won one clutch matchup against the Panthers this past week but that might not be able to compensate for what’s happening with this offense. The Saints say they’re not rebuilding but it’s something they could consider if they continue to lose the rest of the year for 2024. New Orleans fired Dennis Allen so it’s obvious the team could be preparing for a new regime and life after Derek Carr.
Carr still has one more year left on his deal but they may move on if it means giving rookie Spencer Rattler an opportunity. He may not be ready for a full-time role so they could be heavy favorites to bring in a veteran quarterback. Darnold is playing at his peak and as an accurate passer is what the Saints are looking for. He won’t be like a prime Drew Brees but Darnold could take this team to a wild-card spot next season while Rattler learns.
