5 biggest Carolina Panthers positions of need this offseason
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers QB
To say the Carolina Panthers have mismanaged the quarterback position under the current regime would be an understatement of epic proportions. Unless this changes sooner rather than later, the organization will continue languishing in mediocrity or worse.
A substantial gamble on reclamation project Sam Darnold didn’t work out as anticipated. Cam Newton’s incredible return provided some hope and electricity, but this was not an easy situation to be walking into, and seeing the former NFL MVP standing on the sidelines to end the season was just sad, in all honesty.
One has to question Matt Rhule and his staff’s ability to properly evaluate quarterback talent at the pro level. Bringing in Ben McAdoo should help with this, but whether or not they’ll ride it out with Darnold or go in a different direction is arguably the biggest question facing the team this offseason.
Darnold is still under contract for a fully guaranteed $18.85 million, which complicates matters. But the prospect of Carolina bringing in someone else to compete with or develop behind the USC product cannot be ruled out.
Whether it’s this spring or next, a long-term solution needs to be found unless Darnold makes ungodly strides during the upcoming preparation period.