Would Carolina Panthers’ 2021 have been different with Matthew Stafford?

How different would the 2021 season have been for the Carolina Panthers had they managed to secure the services of quarterback Matthew Stafford?

This was certainly a case of what might have been for the Carolina Panthers. After the Detroit Lions decided to part ways with quarterback Matthew Stafford in the trade market, the organization swooped in with an offer that included the No. 8 overall selection and Teddy Bridgewater in an attempt to land the former No. 1 overall selection – which was reportedly accepted by the NFC North team as they looked to rebuild under new head coach Dan Campbell.

However, there was one fatal complication. Stafford had some input regarding his next destination after everything he gave to the franchise.

It didn’t take much deliberating to turn down the Panthers and take his chances elsewhere once the Los Angeles Rams came in with a substantial offer of their own. One that was even greater than Carolina presented.

This was a bitter blow for the Panthers. And after a failed bid to land Deshaun Watson from the Houston Texans, they were forced to settle on grabbing Sam Darnold, giving three draft picks to the New York Jets.

Sadly, Darnold failed to make the most out of an outstanding opportunity in Carolina. As for Stafford, his decision was vindicated with not only reaching the postseason but winning the NFC Championship to book his place in the Super Bowl.

Stafford’s talent is undeniable since arriving in the league as a No. 1 overall selection out of Georgia. But the torrid state of the Lions meant this came with little success from a team standpoint.

All the signal-caller needed was a better supporting cast. Something that’s clearly brought even more from the veteran and once this weekend is over, he might just have a championship ring to show for his efforts.

Even though Stafford has thrived in the sunshine state, how would he have fared in Carolina?

Matthew Stafford could have helped the Carolina Panthers in 2021

The struggles of the offensive line and not having Christian McCaffrey for 10 games wouldn’t have helped his chances. Carolina does have some impressive pass-catchers, but the likes of Robby Anderson and Terrace Marshall Jr. vastly underachieved.

Couple this with no real pass-catching presence at the tight end position, and it’s not hard to see why Stafford made the right choice. One that could completely change the narrative regarding his career if he’s hoisting the Vince Lombardi Trophy.

The Panthers recognized Stafford could be a guy that takes them to the next level. But a rash move to bring Darnold on board and picking up his fifth-year option without even taking a training camp snap has caused some significant complications.

Carolina would have won more than five games with Stafford. Perhaps somewhere in the region of 8-10 – enough to attain postseason football given how weak things were further down the NFC pecking order this season.

The primary decision-makers might decide to shoot their shot at another veteran in the coming weeks. Although convincing someone like Aaron Rodgers or Russell Wilson to join given the current state of the franchise is a really tough sell.

Stafford should have absolutely no regrets. This memorable playoff run is proof positive of that.

If it ends up with a Super Bowl, then there will be more than a few envious glances being cast from the Carolinas.