Matt Rhule addresses Sam Darnold's status, interest in upgrading the position

With so many rumors swirling about a potential mid-offseason trade for a new quarterback, Carolina Panthers head coach Matt Rhule spoke out about Sam Darnold and the bigger picture at QB.

“If we played today, Sam would be our quarterback,” Rhule said, via Joe Person of The Athletic.

While noting that Darnold looks “night and day” from OTAs last year, the Panthers head coach included a caveat.

“That being said, if something comes down that makes us better, we’ll take a look at it,” Rhule said.

Reports surfaced this week of a potential trade between the Browns and Carolina for Baker Mayfield. On Thursday, Mary Kay Cabot at Cleveland.com reported that the hypothetical trade is unlikely.

According to the source Cabot spoke to, they say they’re “confident it’s not happening.” While the teams have “remained in contact,” Darnold “hasn’t been a serious part of the discussion.”

Thus far this offseason, the Panthers drafted former Ole Miss star Matt Corral in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. They had an interest in former Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson but lost out to the Browns.

Sam Darnold responds to Panthers’ rumored interest in quarterback market

Sam Darnold isn’t blocking out the noise — he’s hearing all the rumors swirling around Carolina about their interest in upgrading at his position. However, he’s not letting it get to him.

Once a star at USC, Darnold wasn’t a good fit with the New York Jets. He also had a disappointing first season with the Panthers after the franchise gave up a pretty penny to acquire him.

Now, with coach Matt Rhule feeling the heat, Carolina is eyeing the market for a quarterback in hopes it’ll provide some more wins, saving their jobs in turn.

“I think no matter what they’re always going to do what’s best for the team,” Darnold explained on Wednesday. “With that being said, whether that’s (Panthers General Manager) Scott [Fitterer] going out and getting someone he feels like could do a better job, that’s not for me to judge. He’s going to do his job to the best of his ability.

“I’ve got to hold up my end of the bargain. If I’m the starting quarterback for this team, I have to go out there and play good football, not turn the ball over and put the ball in the end-zone.”

On3’s Stephen Samra contributed to this report.