7 quarterbacks the Carolina Panthers could target in 2022 free agency
By Dean Jones
Which quarterbacks could the Carolina Panthers potentially target during what promises to be a dramatic 2022 free agency period for the franchise?
It’s becoming increasingly obvious that Sam Darnold is not the long-term starter at quarterback for the Carolina Panthers. The decision to trade three draft picks for the troubled signal-caller has not paid off as yet and if those in power decide to bring in additional reinforcements in the coming weeks, his days as a primary No. 1 under center could be numbered.
Darnold’s time at the New York Jets was tainted by Adam Gase and the USC product deserved another chance to thrive elsewhere. But the same problems surfaced once Christian McCaffrey went down with an injury and the Panthers are now on the hook for $18.85 million guaranteed after picking up his fifth-year option before the player had taken part in his first official practice.
With only one draft pick in the top-100, Carolina could be forced to look at the free-agent pool for another option unless they become enamored with someone like Kenny Pickett or try and land a big fish such as Deshaun Watson in the trade market.
On this topic, here are seven quarterbacks the Panthers could target in 2022 free agency.
Quarterback No. 1
Carolina Panthers could sign Jacoby Brissett
Given how money is tight, the best possible solution they have is probably finding a veteran to compete with Sam Darnold. Giving up extortionate draft capital for Russell Wilson and Deshaun Watson is another possibility, although there’s absolutely no guarantee either veteran would sign off on a deal to the Carolina Panthers if an agreement was reached.
Jacoby Brissett got five starts for the Miami Dolphins in 2021, completing 62.7 percent of his passes for 1,283 yards, five touchdowns, and four interceptions. He also ran one score into the end-zone and secured a passer rating of 78.1 as a result of his efforts.
The former third-round pick is a free agent this year and considering the other options available, the Panthers could do far worse than look in Brissett’s direction.