Sam Darnold gets major vote of confidence from Panthers

After an offseason full of rumors, it appears possible, if not likely, that the Carolina Panthers could start the 2022 season with Sam Darnold at quarterback.

Panthers GM Scott Fitterer hinted at that scenario on Friday, saying Darnold is “in the lead” for the starting job. That is a stronger endorsement than at the end of the season, when the position was clearly up for grabs.

"The whole key is bringing Sam [Darnold] along,'' Panthers GM Scott Fitterer said. "He's in the lead for that job.'' After the season Fitterer said the QB job was "open.''

— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) March 25, 2022

The Panthers may be admitting defeat in all their pursuits for a quarterback. They were in strong pursuit of Deshaun Watson, but balked at his contract demands and lost out to the Cleveland Browns. Once that fell through, their interest in other potentially available quarterbacks has been very muted.

Darnold threw nine touchdown passes and 13 interceptions in 2021, and the Panthers went just 4-7 in his starts. However, the organization may not have any other options at this point but to turn back to him for another season.

Photo: Aug 21, 2021; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold (14) warms up before the game at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports