5 QBs the Panthers could sign to compete with Sam Darnold in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could sign Marcus Mariota
- 2021 team – Las Vegas Raiders
It’s not the strongest crop of quarterback veterans on the free-agent market this offseason. That does tend to be the case considering how teams are extremely reluctant to let even an adequate signal-caller walk out of the door.
One name that stands out more than others is Marcus Mariota. The former first-round pick has been on the Las Vegas Raiders as an understudy to Derek Carr over the last two seasons, which paid well but didn’t exactly do much to enhance the player’s reputation.
However, it’s easy to forget that Mariota is still 28 years old and has more than enough in the way of skills to give Sam Darnold a run for his money in training camp. The Carolina Panthers won’t be the only interested party in this particular scenario, so it might cost a little more than they are willing to pay.
Mariota certainly hasn’t lived up to expectations after being selected No. 2 overall by the Tennessee Titans in 2015. But he has the size, speed, and arm strength to get one more shot somewhere and that might be during the upcoming campaign later this year.
If the Panthers are steadfast in trying to salvage Darnold’s career, then this represents a tremendous option if things keep trending in the wrong direction. It might even give Carolina a new starter with a solid showing throughout the preparation period.