Quarterback Sam Darnold and wide receiver DJ Moore are guaranteed contracts with the Panthers through 2022 after Carolina picked up their fifth-year options on Friday.
Darnold, acquired from the New York Jets for two draft picks, also was validated as the undisputed starter in Carolina on Thursday. The Panthers passed on multiple prospects at the position to select cornerback Jaycee Horn eighth overall in the first round of the 2021 NFL Draft.
“I’m not going to talk about other players; we brought Sam here for a reason,” Panthers head coach Matt Rhule said. “We’re excited to see what he can do. We’re excited to give him an opportunity. We traded for him because we believe in his potential.”
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The option will pay Darnold just under $20 million for 2022. He’s scheduled to make $9.7 million in 2021.
Darnold was selected No. 3 overall in 2018. Jets general manager Joe Douglas and former head coach Adam Gase admitted multiple failures by the Jets impacted Darnold’s development.
The Panthers selected Moore with the No. 24 overall pick in 2018. He’s coming off of a career-best year with 1,193 receiving yards in 2020.
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Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater started for the Panthers last season but was traded to the Denver Broncos earlier this week.
–Field Level Media