Which quarterback prospects should the Carolina Panthers monitor if they decide to wait until 2023 to draft their long-term option?
It doesn’t take a nuclear physicist to figure out where the Carolina Panthers are going wrong in 2021. A distinct lack of consistency from the offensive line has played a leading role in these complications, but the constant quarterback carousel is something else having a detrimental impact on the team’s chances.
The Panthers made a bold move by trading for Sam Darnold, shipping Teddy Bridgewater to the Denver Broncos for a sixth-round selection and a whopping $17 million in dead cap money. After a promising start for the signal-caller, things tailed off in dramatic fashion and Cam Newton came back into the fold for a sensational return as Carolina looked to save their season.
Newton is coming off a poor performance at the Miami Dolphins. But things should start trending in the right direction after the former Auburn star got the opportunity to pick up more of the scheme during the bye week.
What transpires over the next few weeks will determine Newton’s future. But considering the strength of this quarterback draft class and the fact Carolina doesn’t possess a Day 2 pick currently, it might be worth those in power waiting until 2023 to select what will hopefully be their franchise player long-term.
Of course, team owner David Tepper might have something bigger in mind. However, the smart decision is to save your assets and get the next big thing coming out of the college ranks at some stage.
With this in mind, here are four quarterback prospects the Panthers should monitor if they decide to wait until 2023 before drafting a signal caller.