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It appears that Carolina Panthers quarterback Sam Darnold has been given another NFL lifeline, this time by the San Francisco 49ers.
With Jimmy Garoppolo now with the Las Vegas Raiders and Brock Purdy still recovering from his elbow surgery, the 49ers need another quarterback. Well, they have found it in Darnold and NFL fans aren't happy about it.
Sal Capaccio, a Buffalo Bills beat reporter, stated that the dream is now "dead" after ESPN's Adam Schefter tweeted about Darnold's deal with the 49ers.
"I’m sorry, @SneakyJoeSports. The dream is dead."
Other fans gave their thoughts on the impending deal for the 49ers with others not too pleased to see the former New York Jet and Panther now become a 49er.
So it appears that not everyone is sold on the move for Sam Darnold. With Purdy and Lance still on the roster, the expectation is that the former Panthers quarterback will be a backup to both players (QB3).
Given the injury history that accompanies San Francisco's quarterbacks, we can imagine Darnold getting some snaps in 2023. This despite many not wanting the quarterback to even see the field.
Sam Darnold provides depth to 49ers QB room
If there are 49ers fans who think that Sam Darnold will come into the quarterback room and become the starter, they are likely mistaken. With Purdy and Lance seen as the future of the organization (which one is up for debate), the acquisition of the Panthers quarterback is more likely for depth than anything else.
Given how the quarterback room fares regarding injuries in San Francisco, having a veteran waiting in the wings who is also on a minimum salary is perfect business for the NFC team.
While there may be a chance that he will play if Lance or Purdy gets injured (given past history, it could happen), we have seen how Kyle Shanahan can tailor the offense to allow his quarterbacks to be very productive.
It wasn't the move anyone saw coming, but it could be one of the smartest pieces of business that a team has done this offseason.
