5 quarterbacks the Panthers could still select in the 2021 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Which quarterbacks could the Carolina Panthers possibly look at targeting during the 2021 NFL Draft despite trading for Sam Darnold?
The Carolina Panthers’ quarterback hunt this offseason in pursuit of an upgrade on Teddy Bridgewater has brought an outcome. Head coach Matt Rhule and general manager Scott Fitterer saw enough from their marquee free-agent signing last year to know he is not the long-term answer, with his lack of conviction in critical moments and a clear regression from a confidence standpoint, meaning their trade for Sam Darnold from the New York Jets was all but inevitable.
Trades for Matthew Stafford and Deshaun Watson didn’t come off for the Panthers this offseason, but they did manage to secure Darnold’s services for three draft picks this year and next, which could be a great bit of business if the former USC star thrives in a different environment.
Carolina Panthers haven’t ruled out drafting a QB.
Despite landing Darnold, Fitterer stated in his recent presser that the team could still take a quarterback during the draft if a prospect of interest becomes available. This might yet be a smokescreen considering recent developments. But the general manager hasn’t been shy in going against the grain if he feels it can benefit the team since arriving from the Seattle Seahawks.
There are other big needs, for sure. So it would be an absolute bombshell if the Panthers eventually went in this particular direction.
With this in mind, let’s take a look at five quarterback prospects the Panthers could still select during the all-important draft weekend later this month.