4 QB starting options if the Panthers move on from Deshaun Watson

Sam Darnold – New York Jets

Another avenue the Carolina Panthers could possibly go down is to look at another quarterback in the trade market for a long-term solution at the position. This might be a little cheaper than moving up to acquire a top prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft, but the risks could be far higher if it doesn’t work out.

The feast or famine element definitely applies to Sam Darnold, who might be looking for a new home if the New York Jets select a signal-caller at No. 2 overall. New head coach Robert Saleh is hoping not to be picking this high again for quite some time, so they won’t get a better chance to acquire the second-best college prospect behind Trevor Lawrence.

There is also little in the way of doubt that Darnold might also welcome the opportunity for a fresh start.

The former first-round pick has yet to live up to the high ceiling expected when he entered the league out of USC. However, plenty of teams will see him as a player that might be able to turn things around with a better fit.

This would probably cost Carolina a second-round pick in return, which would allow them to take a top tackle prospect such as Penei Sewell or Rashawn Slater if either is still around at No. 8. If Darnold enhances his skills in a different environment, this would be a win-win for all parties involved.