5 under-the-radar QBs the Panthers could sign in 2021 free agency
By Dean Jones
Which lesser heralded quarterbacks might the Carolina Panthers target in 2021 free agency?
The Carolina Panthers have already made their intentions clear regarding the main priority this offseason. They are looking to get an upgrade on Teddy Bridgewater after his inconsistent production in 2020 and this aggressive pursuit of a new signal-caller means that they could go all-out to improve the most important position on the field in the coming weeks.
Bridgewater’s regression was notable down the stretch, with his normally composed presence replaced by a player who was clearly lacking in confidence. The Carolina Panthers’ decision to give the former first-round pick a three-year, $63 million deal last spring wasn’t the greatest in the world and it doesn’t appear as if there is any faith in P.J. Walker or Will Grier assuming the No. 1 position.
Grier could be the subject of a trade, which would be the best possible solution for all parties involved. If this proves to be the case then the Panthers will need to pick up maybe two players at the position if Bridgewater is also moved on this offseason, as expected.
Convincing a team to take on the Louisville product’s contract will be difficult, especially considering the financial implications that are coming with a reduced salary cap. The Panthers created this mess for themselves and getting out of it is going to be extremely difficult.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at five possible options at the quarterback position who are going a little under-the-radar in free agency.
Quarterback No. 1
Matt Barkley
- 2020 team – Buffalo Bills
Matt Barkley is never going to set the world alight as many expected when he was showing out for USC in college, but there is a reason why he’s carved out a career as a backup. The signal-caller is intelligent enough to pick up a new scheme quickly and even though there are some obvious limitations to his game, getting him to the Panthers if Grier moves on isn’t the worst idea in the world.
There is every chance the Buffalo Bills offer him an extension as he’s been a great help to starter Josh Allen. However, if Carolina is looking for another backup option given the uncertainty at the position, then Barkley would bring a significant amount to whoever is occupying the No. 1 position on the depth chart.