4 options if the Carolina Panthers wait until 2022 for a new QB

Which options could be available to the Carolina Panthers if they are forced to wait until 2022 for a new quarterback?

It is apparently clear that the Carolina Panthers are going to do whatever it takes to get a new quarterback this offseason. They are being extremely aggressive in their approach as they look to bring in an upgrade on Teddy Bridgewater, who struggled to make the necessary impact in 2020 and now finds his future with the franchise in serious doubt after just one year under center.

This is the most important decision of the offseason by some margin. Although getting right tackle Taylor Moton tied down to a long-term extension is a close second, the quarterback is the most influential position on the field and whichever way Carolina goes is going to have substantial ramifications to their long and short-term aspirations.

Bridgewater doesn’t have a real out on his contract until 2022, so if they get a veteran in via trade then they’ll have to find a suitor for him, too. This would be easier said than done with the money still owed to the former Louisville standout, with the top-three signal-callers in the NFL Draft also set to be gone by the time Carolina is on the clock at No. 8 overall.

Carolina Panthers owner wants a change at QB.

Selecting a development prospect to work behind Bridgewater next season is a viable option, even though it wouldn’t go down well with the team’s fanbase or owner David Tepper, who has made no secret of his desire to replace their current No. 1 option in the coming weeks.

The task facing general manager Scott Fitterer and head coach Matt Rhule is a steep one. But there is a real possibility they might strike out in their attempts to get the right man on board.

With this in mind, we took a look at some possible options for the Panthers in 2022 if they don’t manage to bring in a new quarterback during free agency, the 2021 NFL Draft, or with a bombshell trade this spring.

Option No. 1

Tyler Shough – Oregon

There appears to be a significant amount of potential where Tyler Shough is concerned. The quarterback assumed command of the Oregon Ducks after Justin Herbert moved on to the NFL and he showed glimpses of tremendous promise over a seven-game period in 2020.

Shough has everything one looks for in a signal-caller at the next level. He has prototypical size and superb arm strength, coupled with good awareness in the pocket and an ability to evade pressure well.

If Shough continues to progress in 2021, he is sure to be in contention for a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft and this is somewhere the Carolina Panthers might be once again if Bridgewater displays the sort of form we saw this season.