Panthers Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On Sam Darnold

When the Carolina Panthers made a move a few weeks back to acquire former New York Jets first-round pick quarterback Sam Darnold, there was immediate speculation about if the Cats were even going to keep him once opening day arrives in September.

Darnold, who at one point was a highly touted first-round pick of the Jets back in 2018, went 13-25 with the Jets as a starter over three seasons.

The Panthers are hopeful that a new set to circumstances will give Darnold a new set of confidence to be able to be the team's starter at QB in Carolina come day one.

Other than Darnold, the Panthers currently have a couple other capable throwers on their roster. The team traded Teddy Bridgewater to the Denver Broncos recently, making it more likely that Darnold will start opening day.

Also on the list are Will Grier, P.J. Walker, and unknown Tommy Stevens.

While Darnold's 5th year option pickup wasn't too much of a shock Thursday, the team also officially picked up receiver D.J. Moore's option year.

The team had less than a week (May 3) to announce they were picking up the 5th-year option on Darnold.

Darnold's fifth-year option will pay him $18.858 million in 2022. The contract is fully guaranteed upon being exercised.