Panthers depth chart: Pre-camp 53-man roster projection for 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers depth chart: Quarterbacks
- Sam Darnold, P.J. Walker, Will Grier.
It’s been all change at the top at the most important position on the field. Sam Darnold was acquired via trade from the New York Jets in a move that saw Teddy Bridgewater shipped to the Denver Broncos for a sixth-round pick and a $17 million dead-cap figure prior to the 2021 NFL Draft.
The Carolina Panthers are betting big on Darnold realizing his potential with more weapons around him. Whether the former USC star can do this is another matter entirely.
One thing is for sure, Darnold won’t get another chance to prove he can be a starting signal-caller if things go wrong in Carolina.
In truth, it could go either way where Darnold is concerned.
Having a coaching staff that believes in him could make all the difference. But if the same problems resurface early on, things might turn ugly.
What sits behind Darnold on the Panthers depth chart is pretty locked in with P.J. Walker or Will Grier. Expect to see Matt Rhule utilize both as the primary backup during the season depending on the opposition, with the former XFL standout preferred more often than not during the previous campaign.
Ultimately, the Panthers will go as far as Darnold takes them in 2021. Just where that’s going to be when it’s all said and done remains to be seen.