4 pros and cons to the Carolina Panthers drafting a quarterback in 2022
By Dean Jones
A long-term plan for the Carolina Panthers
If teams don’t have a Patrick Mahomes or Josh Allen, it’s a case of swinging until they find the right knockout punch at quarterback. The Carolina Panthers have done plenty of this since taking the questionable decision to release Cam Newton, which also saw the former NFL MVP come back for a sensational return midway through the 2021 season.
Teddy Bridgewater and Sam Darnold didn’t work out. Considering what’s at stake for some within the organization next time around, another bold trade for a veteran such as Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield cannot be ruled out entirely.
However, there will come a time when the Panthers need to put a long-term plan in place. This generally happens via the draft, although one could argue that Matt Rhule doesn’t necessarily deserve to reset things in this manner so long into his tenure.
That won’t factor into their decision-making process. If they feel confident about a certain prospect that could become the long-term answer, then the Panthers will pull the trigger despite a clear need for a premium left tackle to also acquire.
Drafting a quarterback provides some hope for the future. The problem for Rhule is this might not happen right away and if things don’t start trending in the right direction next season, it could see a change in coaching this time next year.
You’re not going to please everybody. But it’s hard to argue that Carolina’s next decision under center must be the correct one.