Report: Carolina Panthers showing interest in Dwayne Haskins
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers are reportedly showing interest in Dwayne Haskins.
There is plenty of speculation surrounding the future of Teddy Bridgewater. The quarterback has been through his fair share of struggles this season after signing a big-money deal in free agency and another poor outing to finish the 2020 campaign when the Carolina Panthers take on the New Orleans Saints will see plenty of speculation coming his way when the season comes to a conclusion.
This is what Bridgewater signed up for, to a certain extent. The Carolina Panthers were probably expecting more from their signal-caller throughout the campaign and those fans that were hurt by Cam Newton‘s departure meant the former first-round pick was on a hiding to nothing coming into the organization.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rappaport, the Panthers might be looking to acquire another beleaguered quarterback to boost their options moving forward.
The Carolina Panthers could sign Dwayne Haskins.
The insider tweeted that Carolina is reportedly showing interest in Dwayne Haskins, who was released by the Washington Football Team following another disappointing outing against the Panthers in Week 16.
While free agent QB Dwayne Haskins is unlikely to sign before the season, he is receiving interest from several teams, source said. One of those is the Carolina Panthers, but there are others intrigued by Haskins.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 30, 2020
This would be a hugely controversial move, of that there is little doubt.
But it is a low risk, high reward situation if Haskins can reach his promise.
Although it is just speculation at this point, Haskins’ potential arrival makes more sense than you think. Carolina clearly doesn’t think that Will Grier or P.J. Walker are viable starting options long-term options, so bringing the former first-round pick out of Ohio State in as a backup could be worth its weight in gold providing the coaching staff can build his confidence and get him back on the right track.
Carolina won’t be in a position to take a top quarterback prospect such as Trevor Lawrence, Justin Fields, or Zach Wilson in the 2021 NFL Draft. Trey Lance is something of a wildcard after coming from a small school with relatively little football over the last year. So they might decide to strengthen other areas of need to boost their rebuild.
Haskins is still getting plenty of guaranteed money from Washington, who decided the juice wasn’t worth the squeeze regarding the No. 15 overall selection after his strip club incident broke COVID-19 protocols.
Only time will tell as to whether this rumor is going to come to fruition.
But it is one that isn’t likely to go down well with Carolina’s loyal fanbase.
Haskins is young enough to turn things around. And he has learned some grave lessons over the last few months. However, his next chance might be his last and if that is with the Panthers, he’ll need to come in ready to work.
