Panthers will pick up Sam Darnold 5th year option

[Toomers]

15 minutes ago, stbugs said:

Also, a 5th round option is not guaranteed outside of injury. If he sucks, he costs us $5M.

Not anymore. 
 

  

Albert Breer

 

@AlbertBreer

Here's the full memo on the price tags of fifth-year options for 2018 first-rounders. As we said, two Pro Bowls in first 3 years = Franchise tag; one Pro Bowl = transition tag. Deadline to exercise options is May 3. Also, these are now FULLY guaranteed upon execution—big change.

[Toomers]

Just now, stbugs said:

Wasn’t aware of that change.

Neither was I until about a week ago. Like Breer said, BIG change. And makes this a very questionable decision to exercise it. 

[Mr. Scot]

23 minutes ago, Seltzer said:

Important to remember. Tepper still wants Watson 

That ship has sailed.

[Basbear]

 

[woahfraze]

I'm fine with the trade.  I don't understand picking up the 5th year option.  Why not play wait and see with how he plays this year? I know it's only an additional year of commitment, but if Darnold is bad, you're not allocating $18.8MM next year for a backup QB/someone you don't want on the roster.  If he's good, you can still extend him next year. It might cost them more than $18.8MM in that initial year, but I prefer to take the risk that we have to pay $10MM or so more than otherwise next year if he's good moreso than the risk of having to pay $18.8MM to him next year if he's bad.