Now that former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo has signed with the Las Vegas Raiders, the team had to go out and find his replacement. And they did.
The 49ers signed former Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold. Darnold, a former first-round pick with the New York Jets, led the Panthers to a 4-2 record in the Panthers’ last six games throwing seven touchdowns and three interceptions.
The Panthers almost got into the playoffs this past season too with Darnold under center.
“49ers reached agreement on a one-year deal with former Panthers’ QB Sam Darnold,” ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter reported.
49ers reached agreement on a one-year deal with former Panthers’ QB Sam Darnold, per source. pic.twitter.com/rpJLf1YXxi
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 13, 2023
Darnold seemly has gotten better at quarterback since leaving the New York Jets. Darnold was replaced by Baker Mayfield during training camp.
Mayfield ended up being a dud, only winning two games as a starter in Carolina and he was later dealt to the LA Rams when Matthew Stafford was injured.
Darnold credits his improvement to being able to spend team with his defensive teammates to get a better perspective. Clearly, it has helped him in the long run.
It is also clear that the 49ers noticed as well and decided to take a chance on the 25-year-old. The Niners need a good back since both Brock Prudy and Trey Lance are recovering from injuries.
Obviously, the 49ers are signing Darnold to a one-year contract as an insurance policy until Brock Purdy and Trey Lance come back. But with both Lance and Purdy coming off injuries, it will be fascinating to see where things go.