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Carolina Panthers: Tanking for Trevor Lawrence plan inconceivable

By Brandon Scott

NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: A general interior view of the Mercedes Benz Superdome before the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - JANUARY 13: A general interior view of the Mercedes Benz Superdome before the College Football Playoff National Championship game between the LSU Tigers and the Clemson Tigers at the Mercedes Benz Superdome on January 13, 2020 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Will the Carolina Panthers tank 2020 in hopes of landing Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence?

The Carolina Panthers may not be implementing a complete rebuild, at least publicly, but there’s no doubt a remodeling project is underway. Since parting ways with coach Ron Rivera, owner David Tepper installed a rookie coach, Matt Rhule, with a lengthy seven-year contract and a reputation for building programs.

Early offseason changes included a surprising retirement from linebacker Luke Kuechly, the departure of veteran tight end Greg Olsen and an expected trade of offensive guard Trai Turner. Three key changes already set in motion prior to the free agent signing period and NFL Draft.

Facing an uncertain future, quarterback Cam Newton remains a topic of discussion as the Panthers have been reported to perhaps pursue moving up for this year’s best signal caller – anticipated No. 1 overall pick, Joe Burrow. However, at least one report suspects Carolina purposefully not competing in 2020 in hopes of landing next year’s projected best quarterback, Clemson product Trevor Lawrence.

Rhule wanting to acquire a rookie in order to build the offense around isn’t out of the realm of possibility. Guiding programs from obscurity into relevance, he’s administered a similar pattern of behavior but purposefully making a conscious decision to fail seems unlike the personalities of either Rhule or Tepper.

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While Tepper already disclosed becoming a perennial contender may require “a little tearing down before moving forward”, believing the Panthers would purposefully phone it in is less than ideal. Even the most loyal Carolina supporters would arguably have difficulty supporting a program willing to go out and lose in hopes they would have an opportunity at landing a single player.

Having a franchise quarterback in place is obviously instrumental in sustaining long-term success, but relying on an unproven rookie who still has another year of collegiate football to play is a dangerous proposition. Yes, Tepper has made a living betting on investments with high returns but it just doesn’t seem to be in either’s (Rhule or Tepper) nature to tank an entire season.

Next. Grading the Trai Turner Trade. dark

If next year at this time the Panthers are in a position to acquire Lawrence, don’t expect it to be the result of not attempting to compete this season.

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