Steve Smith Hates Sam Darnold
Are the Panthers just done with Sam Darnold? The signs are certainly pointing that way. Carolina drafted Matt Corral in the third round (who’s now done for the season), traded for Baker Mayfield, and to make matters worse… now franchise icon Steve Smith HATES Sam Darnold. Tough to see.
It’s fair to wonder if Darnold is even with Carolina when the season opens at this point? The Corral injury may have made Darnold’s spot secure. However, Steve Smith REALLY had some choice words for the former USC product. Smith called Darnold a ‘Librarian’ and basically hopes he gets run out of town.
“Charisma, swagger, John Wayne mentality,” Smith said of Mayfield. “Baker Mayfield has outplayed Sam Darnold.’’
Of Darnold, Smith said, “He’s going to put you to sleep, reading a book. We don’t need any librarians.”
“So when it’s an open competition, the guy who can handle the most pressure I believe is Baker Mayfield. He will take that quarterback position because they’re also doing alternate reps with the first team,” Smith said then on NFL Network. “So that’s telling you they want to make the right decision with the right guys and go throw-for-throw. That’s very abnormal, but it’s exciting as a fan to watch.”
YIKES…
The Panthers have not named a starting quarterback yet but it’s widely presumed that Baker Mayfield is expected to be the guy. Neither Darnold or Mayfield played in Carolina’s last preseason game. Matt Rhule is certainly taking his time with the decision. The only thing that is clear is that Darnold opening the season as the Week 1 starter appears very unlikely.
If it weren’t for the Corral injury, it’s fair to wonder if Darnold would even make the roster. Carolina likes PJ Walker and was at Temple when Rhule coached there. I don’t think the Panthers will move off Walker. With Corral being placed on IR, Carolina really doesn’t have to make any tough decisions at the position. If the Panthers actually get a trade offer for Darnold, then maybe it’s a different story.
Either way, this is a tough look for Darnold. Steve Smith is probably the most revered face of the Panthers outside of maybe Cam Newton. If Steve Smith ain’t rocking with Sam Darnold, it’s fair to wonder what is future is with the team.
