Getty Images
At this point in 2021, the Panthers did not have a long-term response to the quarterback.
Things are no different this year. They traded for Sam Darnold, but he failed to secure the upgrade the team was looking for. He is under a $ 18.9 million contract for the 2022 season, and Panthers general manager Scott Fitter said on Wednesday that there were “many different factors” for his performance, but “he has to take the next step.”
While Darnold’s contract will keep him in the mix, Fitterer does not hide that the team has eyes on other options that can “take this position and own it” in the near future.
“You never want to impose a quarterback decision,” Fitter said on the team’s website. “But we will be aggressive in this regard and we will consider each option. You can’t just sit in the back and let things happen. we will explore every option and if it makes sense, we will do it and be aggressive about it. ”
Fitterer also said the team was open to the return of Cam Newton, but there was nothing in last season’s performance to give much confidence that they would be the right answer in Carolina.