6 realistic options for the Carolina Panthers to solve QB crisis in 2022
By Brian Emory
It’s hardly breaking news, but the Carolina Panthers have a crisis at the quarterback position. Here are four realistic options the team should consider in 2022.
The Carolina Panthers have been playing musical chairs with the sport’s most crucial position ever since Matt Rhule came into the fold. Less than 48 months into his tenure as head coach, the team has already signed and traded Teddy Bridgewater, launched failed bids for both Matt Stafford and Deshaun Watson, acquired Sam Darnold from the New York Jets, and re-signed Cam Newton.
Two years later, the team still has nothing resembling a long-term answer at the position. This is a major problem and something that’s really harmed any sort of progress on the field.
Darnold will man the plate during the Panthers‘ game at the New Orleans Saints in Week 17 after Rhule came to the conclusion he’s a better option than Newton right now. Whether that pays off or not remains to be seen, but it’s clear the organization needs to form a long-term plan at the earliest possible opportunity.
Rhule is under increasing pressure, with a New Year’s Eve article from Joe Person of The Athletic coming with scathing quotes from team sources and agents regarding the former Baylor man’s methods and how they are being perceived across the league.
Things like this don’t go unnoticed by free agents or within the locker room. Although Rhule was quick to state during Friday’s presser that he hasn’t witnessed any murmurings of discontent despite a disastrous run of form since Carolina’s 3-0 start.
Something’s got to give. Here are four realistic options the Panthers will undoubtedly consider to solve their quarterback crisis in 2022.