4 things Carolina Panthers fans are hoping for in the New Year
By Dean Jones
A long-term plan at QB
This is a plan that’s been brought on by a series of bad decisions that began with Cam Newton‘s release and the Carolina Panthers going back to the former NFL MVP before their Week 10 clash at the Arizona Cardinals. Matt Rhule was always playing with fire with some of his moves and it’s clearly cost the team in a big way this season.
Teddy Bridgewater was shipped out for Sam Darnold, with the Panthers giving up three draft picks to the New York Jets to get their man. A promising start quickly evaporated once Christian McCaffrey went down and although Rhule’s named him the starter once again, many fans and analysts have already seen enough.
Whether it’s Darnold, Newton, or someone else. The Panthers have to put a clear long-term plan in place at the most important position on the field.
Failure to do so will see heads roll beyond all doubt.
Team owner David Tepper was intent on landing a big fish in the trade market that eventually settled on Darnold. If Deshaun Watson’s legal situation comes to a successful conclusion, don’t be surprised if Carolina makes another inquiry to the Houston Texans.
However, with limited cap space and Darnold under contract for $18.85 million, selecting a promising college prospect might be the best route to go. Even if the fanfare surrounding this year’s batch of recruits is nothing like the 2021 class.
Fans want stability at the quarterback spot. Something that’s not been there whatsoever under the new regime.