Kyler Murray rumors should put Carolina Panthers on high alert

There is ongoing speculation surrounding the future of quarterback Kyler Murray, which is something the Carolina Panthers should monitor extremely closely.

It’s no secret that things haven’t gone quite according to plan for the Carolina Panthers at quarterback since head coach Matt Rhule took charge. A series of poor personnel moves that began with Cam Newton’s release has seen a revolving door at the most important position on the field – something that could lead to yet another change given Sam Darnold’s erratic displays under center.

Darnold’s trade from the New York Jets was a gamble that backfired, to put it mildly. Newton’s bombshell return was fantastic in one sense, but it didn’t bring much in the way of positive results and backup P.J. Walker is a turnover waiting to happen that isn’t guaranteed a roster spot in 2022.

Perhaps the draft would be the cheapest and most likely solution. Carolina is reportedly high on Kenny Pickett, although there would be some huge risk by taking the signal-caller at No. 6 overall.

However, team owner David Tepper could decide to try and land a big fish in the trade market again. This is something he tried last spring with failed attempts for Matthew Stafford and Deshaun Watson before eventually settling on Darnold – a decision they’d probably like to have back.

If the right opportunity became available, the Panthers would undoubtedly consider anything. Even if they have little in the way of draft capital and $18.98 million in salary-cap space available at the present time.

One potential situation came with plenty of speculation this week. Kyler Murray stripped all association between himself and the Arizona Cardinals from his Instagram account, leading many to believe there could be a rift brewing with the former No. 1 overall selection and the organization.

Of course, this might be nothing.

And people read far too much into any social media activity these days.

Carolina Panthers should monitor Kyler Murray situation closely

But if this does turn into something more, then the Panthers should sit up and take notice. Murray is a dynamic playmaker that makes things happen at the drop of a hat and if the Cardinals somehow decided to go in a different direction, there would be a queue of willing suitors across the league.

Things didn’t go quite as the Cardinals planned in 2021 after loading up significantly for a Super Bowl run. Murray did make the Pro Bowl for the second time in three seasons, but the campaign overall was one of failure for a team of which much was expected.

Again, the chances of Arizona moving on from Murray after three seasons after investing heavily in the Oklahoma product are remote. But if one team made an astronomical offer then it would give them a big decision to make.

The Panthers cannot get their next move at quarterback wrong.

If they do, then jobs will be lost.

Adding Murray to the Panthers would be a game-changer and certainly amazing to think about. However unlikely it might be.

It promises to be an eventful offseason for the Panthers with lots at stake. What comes next will be franchise-altering and after a third successive five-win campaign, those in power know the pressure is well and truly on.