5 Panthers players who could be sacrificed for a franchise QB in 2022

Which Carolina Panthers players could be sacrificed for the team to land a franchise quarterback during the 2022 offseason period?

Of all the problems currently facing the Carolina Panthers, there is one that continues to cast a cloud over the organization. A series of failed moves at the quarterback position could see the team pursue their third starting signal-caller in as many offseasons under the new regime, which is not the way to go about forming a successful franchise at the next level.

Considering head coach Matt Rhule also has the final say on personnel decisions, this is a damning indictment on his ability to successfully evaluate pro personnel. The same methods that saw his reputation enhanced at Temple and Baylor just aren’t working out, so something has to give moving forward if the Panthers want to make any sort of progression in 2022.

Sam Darnold is under contract next season after Carolina activated his fifth-year option before he got in the building. Sacrificing three draft selections to land the USC product from the New York Jets was a huge gamble in itself, but being on the hook for $18.85 million is something those in power could have avoided.

There is a chance Carolina picks up a talented young prospect in the draft. But given the increased sense of urgency in Year 3 of Rhule’s tenure, making a splash in the trade market cannot be ruled out, either.

With this in mind, here are five Panthers players that could be sacrificed for a franchise quarterback at some stage during the offseason.