4 biggest positions of need for the Panthers this offseason

Quarterback

This is not something the Carolina Panthers envisaged when they signed Teddy Bridgewater to a three-year, $63 million deal with a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed this offseason. The quarterback started off with some impressive performances without quite getting over the line in crucial moments. But the former first-round pick struggled down the stretch which has plunged his long-term future with the franchise into doubt.

Carolina bet big that Bridgewater could provide a stable presence under center during this period of transition. The move also resulted in the Panthers letting go of Cam Newton, which didn’t sit well with large sections of the team’s fanbase who were less than enthused regarding the Louisville product’s signing in the first place.

Bridgewater’s contract probably dictates he’ll be around in 2021, but it’s clear that Carolina is going to look at better backup options if things continue trending on a downward curve.

Dwayne Haskins left Carolina without a deal after his visit on Monday, although the door was reportedly left open for the troubled quarterback later in the preparation period. There is also a big chance that the Panthers look at taking a player at the position with one of their top-end selections in the 2021 NFL Draft.

With offensive coordinator Joe Brady generating some head coaching buzz, an offensive line that is set for major changes, and the prospect of wide receiver Curtis Samuel leaving in free agency, Bridgewater is facing the prospect of learning a whole new offense and developing chemistry with some reinforcements on the field.

Make no mistake, the pressure is well and truly on.

But for many people, Bridgewater is already past the point of no return and a better option needs to be found at the earliest possible opportunity.