Why Matthew Stafford is a good option for the Carolina Panthers
With many quarterbacks likely ending up on new teams this offseason, the Carolina Panthers have the chance to get an elite one in Matthew Stafford.
The Carolina Panthers and their fans had a lot of hope for Teddy Bridgewater this past season. But it may seem that he was not the perfect fit. With that said, the organization does have options to go with this offseason, and they could potentially move their big free-agent signing last year after just one year under center.
One quarterback that the Panthers can target is Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions. The former No. 1 overall pick has been a solid quarterback, but he just has not had enough weapons to turn them into a winning football team.
Over the past month, fans have learned that the Lions and Stafford are in favor of parting ways. This gives teams like the Panthers a chance to take a shot of acquiring him via trade.
An apparent need for the Lions will be the quarterback position. Detroit has a high 2021 NFL Draft pick and can select a new signal-caller at No. 7 overall, but if the Panthers sent them Bridgewater, this would help them with developing a new one.
The Carolina Panthers would get chemistry from Matthew Stafford.
It’s hard not to be impressed by Stafford and the Panthers would not be wrong to take a look at him. Heck, Carolina even signed his previous quarterbacks’ coach in Sean Ryan this past week.
If the Panthers want someone who has good chemistry, then Stafford is their guy.
Stafford is as close to an elite level player as you’ll find. He and Aaron Rodgers are the only quarterbacks in the league that has thrown for more than 45,000 yards and less than150 career interceptions.
Over the past few seasons, Stafford did not have a lot to work with in Detriot. His best wide receiver was the injury-prone Kenny Golladay, while Marvin Jones Jr. established himself as the team’s second-best wideout over time.
Stafford found himself in many comeback scenarios at the end of games because of the Lions’ lacking defense as well. After this past season, it was clear that he needed a change of scenery and is set to be granted his wish.
If Stafford was traded to the Panthers, he would be coming to a team that has two elite 1,000-yard wide receivers in D.J Moore and Robby Anderson, together with the impressive Curtis Samuel – if he’s re-signed.
Not to mention he would also have one of the best running backs in the league to assist him who needs no introduction.
Dean Jones of Cat Crave did a great job of explaining how a trade like this would impact the Panthers’ plans on draft day. Unless Carolina can hold onto their first-round pick, trading for Stafford would change their whole mindset on who to select at No. 8 overall.
At this point, unless the Panthers act soon, fans will see Stafford traded to the Indianapolis Colts. The Colts have been one of the main teams linked to a possible trade, with the San Francisco 49ers also emerging as leading contenders for his signature.
If the Panthers decide to go after Stafford, then they will be establishing that they are in a “win now” mentality. If they don’t, then there’s another strong quarterback option looking to be traded from Houston that would be another popular choice.