Carolina Panthers cannot afford Jimmy Garoppolo
Even if the Carolina Panthers were interested in Jimmy Garoppolo, there is also a significant financial aspect that should make this trade a non-starter. The quarterback has two years remaining on his deal, which will count $26.4 million and $26.9 million against the cap and this should make the decision-makers think twice about bringing the veteran on board.
The Panthers don’t have much in the way of salary-cap space currently. According to Spotrac, just $18.98 million is available to re-sign free agents, strengthen problem areas, and also sign their 2022 NFL Draft class to further complicate matters.
This number might go up with contract restructures and early releases before free agency. But even if additional funds were acquired, taking on another massive quarterback contract is not the smart way to get Carolina trending in the right direction.
As stated previously, there is no guarantee Garoppolo would shine in Carolina’s new system. Ben McAdoo likes to throw the football a lot if his time on the New York Giants is any indication, which represents a problem due to the former second-round pick’s poor timing on occasions.
Carolina needs to be absolutely convinced Garoppolo is the guy to justify taking on such a contract. Judging by his efforts this season, that doesn’t appear to be the case.