4 reasons the Panthers are not an attractive free-agent destination in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers have QB uncertainty
For a third successive offseason, it appears as if the Carolina Panthers are on the lookout for another starting quarterback. Cam Newton’s release and failed moves for Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold leave the organization going back to the drawing board, which is a damning indictment of their ability to properly evaluate pro talent at the most important position on the field.
Giving up three draft picks to acquire Darnold from the New York Jets was a big-time mistake. Triggering his fifth-year option was even worse and leaves Carolina on the hook for $18.85 million if the USC product is not moved on before competitive action resumes once again.
Finding a willing trade partner will be almost impossible considering Darnold’s salary and his lack of production since entering the league. But that won’t stop the Panthers from swinging big in pursuit of finally solving what’s quickly become a complex riddle.
Even if the Panthers land a quarterback via trade, it won’t do much to convince free agents that this is a stable organization. After all, if another gamble fails under center then a new coaching staff could have their own thoughts about how best to move the franchise forward.
Carolina brought this on themselves by panicking and banking on a player that hadn’t shown anything like the capability to become an NFL starting-caliber signal-caller. If free agents look elsewhere as a result, who could blame them?