7 quarterbacks the Carolina Panthers could target in 2022 free agency
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could sign Marcus Mariota
It’s strange to think that Marcus Mariota has somehow built up his reputation without playing all that much over the last two seasons. The former No. 2 overall selection endured an inconsistent spell to begin his NFL career with the Tennessee Titans, but sitting behind Derek Carr on the Las Vegas Raiders seems to have reignited intrigue about what the quarterback could potentially do from a starting role.
Mariota could end up being a hot commodity in free agency for teams looking for a spark under center. The Carolina Panthers definitely fall into this category and the player might see this as a solid fit in terms of beating out Sam Darnold atop the depth chart.
The Oregon product boasts a career completion percentage of 62.8 percent with 77 passing touchdowns to 45 interceptions. Mariota is also more than capable of generating yards on the ground – something that’s brought 1,574 rushing yards, 13 scores, and a yards-per-carry average of 6.0.
This would obviously depend on any alterations new offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo plans to make schematically and the money Mariota wants if the Raiders decide to let him walk. If everything checks out on both fronts, then the Panthers might target a player who could still have his best years ahead of him.
Mariota deserves credit for biding his time and regrouping his career in a backup role. Providing the necessary improvements have been made, then a new lease of life in 2022 is not entirely out of the question.