6 major gambles the Carolina Panthers are clearly going to make in 2022

Carolina Panthers look set to gamble on a rookie QB

With options at the quarterback diminishing with every passing day in the trade market and free agency, all signs point to the Carolina Panthers finally selecting a promising signal-caller from the draft this spring. Of course, there is a chance that Baker Mayfield, Gardner Minshew, Jimmy Garoppolo, or even Cam Newton could be targeted, but wasting more capital on veterans that may or may not work out could be unwise at this stage.

Going down the rookie route is something the Panthers should have done a lot sooner. As it stands, Matt Rhule is now betting his job on a prospect like Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, Desmond Ridder, or Matt Corral from what is largely perceived to be a weak class overall.

The Panthers were in full-court press mode for Pickett’s pro day and took a keen interest. He appears to be the most pro-ready out of all those under center entering the league this year, even though Willis might have the higher ceiling based on his exciting physical attributes.

Whichever way Carolina goes, it has to be the right call. There is no more room for rash decisions or banking on things that just aren’t there as they did with Sam Darnold, a mistake that cost the Panthers three draft picks and $18.85 million fully guaranteed.

Of all the gambles on this list, the situation at quarterback is right at the top. A fine mess that the Panthers created for themselves, but if they find the correct player then there could be some light at the end of the tunnel.