Panthers balance sheet: Offense in the black after major QB move
By Dean Jones
How are the Carolina Panthers looking on offense in 2021 after another offseason of substantial changes to playing personnel?
The Carolina Panthers were not willing to sit on their hands this offseason. They came to a quick conclusion that Teddy Bridgewater was not going to lead them moving forward and after an aggressive search for a potential upgrade, they eventually secured the services of Sam Darnold from the New York Jets.
Had the Deshaun Watson situation not taken a serious turn that is being dealt with legally, things might have been different.
But the Panthers appear to have great confidence in Darnold getting them back into playoff contention at the earliest possible opportunity.
Whether this faith will be repaid is anyone’s guess. The former USC star is getting a fresh start in a better environment after the Jets gave up on him in favor of Zach Wilson, so it is essential Darnold makes the most of it to prove his doubters wrong.
If this trade comes off, then a surprise playoff berth might soon follow for the Panthers, who have been starved of winning football since the glory days of the mid-2010s when Cam Newton was at the peak of his powers.
Bridgewater is no longer around after being shipped to the Denver Broncos. Carolina also lost the services of Curtis Samuel in free agency after he signed a big-money deal with the Washington Football Team, which might be a blow if others cannot step up and fill the void.
A number of other important changes have been made to the offensive side of the ball. But how is the unit looking after another eventful offseason of player comings and goings?