What Happened To Sam Darnold? Injury Update: Where Is He Now?

What happened to Sam Darnold as he suffered a high left ankle sprain late in the third quarter of the August 26 preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills.

Samuel Richard Darnold is a quarterback with the National Football League’s Carolina Panthers. 

He attended USC, where he became the first freshman to earn the Archie Griffin Award, before being drafted third overall by the New York Jets in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Darnold was named the backup quarterback for the 2022 season following a preseason competition with a new acquisition and 2018 draftee Baker Mayfield. 

What Happened To Sam Darnold? Injury Update

According to the team, Darnold suffered a high left ankle sprain late in the third quarter of the August 26 preseason finale against the Buffalo Bills after Mayfield won the starting job in an open competition. 

He was put on injured reserve on September 1 and missed the Panthers’ first six games, leading to the firing of head coach Matt Rhule following Week 5.

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Darnold’s injury was Carolina’s second significant preseason setback. Darnold’s contract is coming to an end. Based on the preseason starting lineup, it is reasonable to expect Darnold to return as Mayfield’s backup.

He showed good mobility during agility drills and while running the scout team during open practice. Mayfield supported him after suffering a left ankle sprain in the Week 5 loss to San Francisco.

Where Is Sam Darnold Now? Panthers Final Year Contract

Take a good look at the Panthers’ bench on Thursday night, pause the broadcast at precisely the perfect time, and you’ll discover Sam Darnold, presumably near the Gatorade coolers.

If you take another close look at the Panthers’ depth chart, you’ll notice that Darnold is securely tucked between PJ Walker and Baker Mayfield. That’s quite a fall from grace for the No. 3 overall selection in 2018.

Darnold is finally available for the first time in 2022 after suffering an ankle injury in the preseason finale. Still, he’s third on the Panthers’ depth chart heading into Week 10 against the Falcons. 

While there was an open battle between the two, Mayfield unexpectedly beat Darnold to the starting job outright over the offseason.

Darnold is in his last year of the deal and is unlikely to return to the Panthers. He will, however, have an opportunity with Carolina before the end of the season.

How Much Is Sam Darnold’s Net Worth 2024?

Darnold has a net worth of $30 million as of 2021, according to playersbio.com. His income and endorsements account for the majority of his net worth.

According to Spotrac, Darnold agreed to terms with the New York Jets on a four-year, $30.25 million contract that included a guaranteed $30,247,715 and a signing bonus of $20,078,338 and a salary of $7,561,919 on average annually. 

Darnold will earn a base salary of $920,000, a roster bonus of $3,854,685, a cap hit of $4,774,685, and a dead cap value of $4,774,685 in 2021. In 2023, Darnold will become an unrestricted free agent.