Panthers GM told Darnold team could draft QB

The Carolina Panthers are keeping quarterback Sam Darnold in the loop about their draft plans.

Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer said Tuesday that he met with Darnold and told him "there's a pretty good chance" the team will take a quarterback during this week's draft, according to ESPN's David Newton.

Fitterer added that there are two quarterbacks he'd be comfortable taking with the No. 6 overall pick. While Fitterer didn't reveal his potential targets, Liberty's Malik Willis and Pitt's Kenny Pickett are widely acknowledged to be the top two quarterback prospects of this class.

Carolina has been linked to Browns signal-caller Baker Mayfield ever since Deshaun Watson arrived in Cleveland, and Fitterer acknowledged the team has options outside of the draft.

But it seems the Panthers intend to let the draft play out first before making a potential move for the veteran passer. It was reported Monday that the NFC South club isn't expected to trade for Mayfield before the event, which starts Thursday and runs through Saturday.

Carolina traded a package that included a second-round pick to the New York Jets for Darnold last offseason and guaranteed his $18.9-million salary for 2022 by picking up the fifth-year option in his rookie contract.

Darnold struggled in his first season with the Panthers, finishing with 2,527 yards and nine touchdowns against 13 interceptions. He split playing time with P.J. Walker and Cam Newton.