4 clear signs the Carolina Panthers process isn’t working in 2021
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers are a disaster zone at QB
Having stability at the quarterback position is the hallmark of any contending team. To say the Carolina Panthers have been without this in 2021 would be the biggest understatement imaginable.
Carolina went big game hunting during the offseason with failed trade attempts for Matthew Stafford and Deshaun Watson. They eventually settled on Sam Darnold, giving up three draft picks to the New York Jets for a clear reclamation project.
Darnold got off to a good start but regressed considerably. Once the signal-caller got injured, the Panthers made a bombshell move to bring back Cam Newton, which might have been a business move more than anything else.
It was a difficult situation for Newton coming in so late. But Matt Rhule got him out of the lineup at the earliest possible chance in favor of Darnold against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who is the only quarterback under contract in 2022.
This whole situation is a mess. One that Rhule and the Panthers brought on themselves by not drafting a future prospect and complicating the situation further with the acquisition of Darnold.
What comes next is uncertain. It’s unlikely the Panthers will find a willing trade partner for Darnold and his $18.85 million guaranteed, which could mean Newton departs for a second time in three years as a result.
Until this gets sorted out one way or another, Carolina will only get so far.