3 teams that could trade above the Carolina Panthers for top QB prospect
By Dean Jones
Atlanta Falcons could trade above the Carolina Panthers
Going after Deshaun Watson was the final nail in the relationship between Matt Ryan and the Atlanta Falcons. The legendary quarterback enjoyed a phenomenal stint with the organization spanning his entire career to date, but this was a slap in the face for the former NFL MVP and he was eventually traded to the Indianapolis Colts soon after.
Ryan will likely get one more shot at winning a Super Bowl on a talented Colts roster. This was nothing short of disastrous for the Falcons, who are eating $40 million in dead-cap money thanks to their failed pursuit of Watson, who turned down a return home in favor of a fully guaranteed $230 million contract with the Cleveland Browns.
The Falcons softened the blow by signing Marcus Mariota in free agency, which should be a solid stop-gap until something can be figured out in the long term. Atlanta is currently sitting at No. 8 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft and if those in power like what they see from a certain prospect, then it could see them move above the Carolina Panthers and get one over on their NFC South rivals.
Perhaps this is something the Panthers want, in all honesty. Their presence at all these pro days was a little too in your face to suggest otherwise – but Carolina picking Kenny Pickett, Malik Willis, or Matt Corral certainly cannot be ruled out, either.
As for the Falcons, they might decide to see what Mariota can do next season. If it doesn’t work out, then the 2023 draft class could be the deepest in recent memory at the quarterback position.