Sam Darnold, former USC quarterback, signs with San Francisco 49ers

Darnold will most likely backup Trey Lance to begin the 2023 season

Former USC quarterback Sam Darnold is on the move once again in the NFL. After spending the last two seasons with the Carolina Panthers, Darnold has signed a one-year deal with the San Francisco 49ers, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Darnold was selected third overall in the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets. He played three seasons in New York before being traded to Carolina. Last season, Darnold went 4-2 over the final six games for the Panthers after coming off of injured reserve. 

The other two quarterbacks on San Francisco's roster are Trey Lance and Brock Purdy, both of whom are currently injured. Lance is close to returning to 100% health after suffering a season ending ankle injury in Week 2 last year. Purdy is in the midst of a six month recovery after injuring his elbow in the NFC title game against the Philadelphia Eagles. Darnold will most likely back up Lance to begin the 2023 season.

Despite playing his final game in a USC uniform back in 2017, Darnold's name is still all over the Trojans record book. He ranks No. 2 all-time in passing yards in a single season with 4,143.

After only playing two years for the Trojans, Darnold's 7,229 passing yards ranks No. 8 all-time in school history. His 57 passing TD's ranks No. 7 all-time and his 31 in 2016 are the ninth most all-time in a USC season.

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