4 Carolina Panthers players on the hot seat after offseason moves

Teddy Bridgewater – Carolina Panthers QB

Although the Carolina Panthers haven’t yet signed a quarterback, the writing is on the wall for Teddy Bridgewater. The organization has made absolutely no secret of its intentions to get better at the position sooner rather than later. But with nothing concrete in the pipeline as yet, it’s a case of just wait and see at this juncture.

Bridgewater simply didn’t do enough in critical moments during his first year under center – which was reflected by going 0-8 on game-winning or tying drives in 2020. Perhaps even more damning was the former Louisville standout’s clear lack of confidence and flustered demeanor down the stretch, something that was very out of character from the normally cool individual.

The Panthers failed to land Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions and it’s clear the Deshaun Watson pursuit is on hold for the time being. There is still a chance Carolina can get their hands on one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2021 NFL Draft, but with the San Francisco 49ers moving up to No. 3, it leaves them looking at the fourth or fifth-best option available.

Whether an upgrade is found or not is up for debate. But one thing is certain, Bridgewater’s status as the starting option is hanging on for dear life, and had it not been for the three-year, $63 million deal with a $15 million signing bonus and $33 million guaranteed he received last year, the player may already be looking for a new home.

4 Panthers players who could get bigger roles after free-agent moves

Which Carolina Panthers players might see more in the way of game day activity following the organization's recent moves in free agency?

What comes next for the Panthers at quarterback is going to have huge ramifications. Simply put, they cannot afford to get their next move wrong.