Carolina Panthers are perfect landing spot for Dak Prescott
By Dean Jones
The Carolina Panthers were recently named as a perfect landing spot for quarterback Dak Prescott despite the Dallas Cowboys wanting him to return.
Speculation is rife surrounding the Carolina Panthers and their pursuit of a new quarterback this offseason. They seemed to be linked with almost every player either on the trade market, in free agency, or the 2021 NFL Draft, which stems from a failed approach for Matthew Stafford shortly before he was moved to the Los Angeles Rams.
Teddy Bridgewater might feel a little hard done by. But the NFL is a what have you done for me lately business and one that could see him on a new team by the time OTAs and training camp rolls around. However, the next few weeks are critical for the Panthers in this regard and if their early mindset is any indication, they’ll continue to be aggressive.
Of all the upcoming signal-callers who are about to hit the free-agent market, there is a name that is getting overlooked as someone who could be on the move.
Carolina Panthers named as Dak Prescott’s perfect landing spot.
Dak Prescott was unable to get a new deal from the Dallas Cowboys prior to the 2020 campaign that forced the organization to place him under the franchise tag. Players don’t like turning out with this lack of security, which is particularly evident in the former fourth-round pick’s case.
Prescott suffered a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle in Week 5 that ended his season early and left many wondering whether or not his time in Dallas was officially done.
According to a recent report, the Cowboys like what they see from Prescott’s medical reports and will either sign him to a long-term deal or use the tag once again in the coming weeks. Their inability to win the dismal NFC East was a glaring wake-up call as to the player’s importance and letting him walk just doesn’t seem like a realistic option despite their obvious salary-cap concerns.
However, if Prescott is allowed to test the free-agent market, the Panthers would undoubtedly take a close look at the quarterback.
ESPN’s NFL insider Jeremy Fowler recently named Carolina as the perfect landing spot for Prescott if he leaves during free agency. It’s not hard to see why and although the financial implications involved make this sort of signing virtually impossible, it sure is fun to think about.
Imagine what Prescott could do with the weapons the Panthers are fortunate to have. He is one of the NFL’s best deep passers and for all Bridgewater’s positives, this area is one that’s come in for some significant criticism.
Jerry Jones is a lot of things.
But he isn’t a dummy.
Stubbornly not paying Prescott what he is worth last season came back to haunt him in more ways than one. If he wants the Cowboys to ever start backing up all their big talk before a snap is played, the owner needs his franchise quarterback fit and firing on all cylinders.
The signs are positive regarding a return to full health for Prescott. Although Fowler might be right regarding the Panthers being a perfect fit for the player, any move is highly unlikely.