The Carolina Panthers were the team to take a chance on acquiring Sam Darnold and they are already showing their commitment to him. Following the sudden move to land the 23-year-old via trade, the Panthers are picking up Darnold's fifth-year option, per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.
The Panthers will exercise QB Sam Darnold's fifth-year option, per source.
— Jonathan Jones (@jjones9) April 5, 2021
Darnold, who was taken with the No. 3 overall selection in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He was entering the final year of his rookie contract. However, with Darnold being a first-round pick, he had a fifth-year option that could be picked up by whatever team employed him, which is the Panthers now.
The decision to pick up his option shows how much confidence Carolina has in being able to get the best out of Darnold. Also, it shows that the Panthers believe Darnold's woes were a product of his environment in New York and that he can be the long-term option under center.
As The Athletic's David Lombardi pointed out, fifth-year options are fully guaranteed once a team exercises it. That means the Panthers are on the hook for $18.8 million for Darnold in the 2022 season, proving their commitment to him moving forward.
And remember that fifth-year options are now fully guaranteed at the time a team exercises them. So Carolina is also committing significant money to Sam Darnold in 2022.
The Panthers truly believe it was the Jets’ lousy situation that held Darnold — a top draft pick — back
— David Lombardi (@LombardiHimself) April 5, 2021
In his first three seasons with the Jets, Darnold showed brief glimpses of his ability to be a franchise quarterback in the NFL. However, he has yet to show the consistency that a team would like to see before committing to him long-term. That being said, the Panthers aren't wasting any time showing Darnold that they are confident in him turning his career around in a new situation.