Carolina Panthers' Sam Darnold not concerned with team's pursuit of other quarterbacks

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers have spent the offseason seeking a replacement for starting quarterback Sam Darnold, but he isn't concerned.

«It's truly whatever happens happens, because at the end of the day it's out of my control, and I know that,» Darnold, 24, said on the «Bussin' with the Boys» podcast created by Tennessee Titans tackle Taylor Lewan and free-agent linebacker Will Compton. «I have enough security in myself where I can say, 'I know I'm a good quarterback. I know I can be a good quarterback in this league. I've proved it.'

»And I know there's a team, if something happens, that would want me."

Darnold, the third pick of the 2018 draft, admitted what the Panthers have done has been «a little shot to the ego,» but said he is prepared for whatever happens.

Carolina general manager Scott Fitterer recently began the offseason by saying the starting job was «open.» The team then pursued Deshaun Watson to the point it was willing to give up three first-round picks, at least one player and other draft picks for a quarterback facing 22 civil suits involving sexual misconduct.

The Cleveland Browns ultimately landed Watson in exchange for three first-round picks (2022, '23, '24), one third-round pick (2023) and two fourth-round picks (2022, 2024). Watson also got a record five-year, $230 million deal guaranteed.

The Panthers, who own the No. 6 overall pick in this year's draft, spent the next week at the pro days of quarterbacks Kenny Pickett of Pittsburgh, Malik Willis of Liberty and Matt Corral of Mississippi.

Fitterer followed those visits by saying Darnold was «in the lead for the job,» but didn't rule out using the sixth pick on one of them.

«At the end of the day somebody has got to answer for it,»