Panthers right to balk at reported Jimmy Garoppolo asking price

(Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports) Jimmy Garoppolo
(Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports) Jimmy Garoppolo

Jimmy Garoppolo’s reported asking price is something the Carolina Panthers are right not to pay in their pursuit of a new quarterback.

It’s no secret that the Carolina Panthers are on the lookout for additional help at the quarterback position. Cam Newton’s return seems unlikely and Sam Darnold‘s future is also hanging in the balance after a disappointing first season under center after his trade from the New York Jets.

The Panthers swung for the fences with unsuccessful attempts for Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson, who both waived their no-trade clauses for moves elsewhere rather than risk it in Carolina. Those in power decided not to test the free-agent market and the concerns surrounding this group of college signal-callers have been well documented to further complicate matters.

This could lead Carolina back into the trade pool for a short-term solution. Although their options have also dwindled in this particular method of recruitment, there are still one or two veterans that can provide an instant upturn in production at a crucial stage of Matt Rhule’s tenure.

Jimmy Garoppolo‘s future remains in some doubt after the San Francisco 49ers gave up a significant amount to select Trey Lance out of North Dakota State. The Panthers have reportedly shown interest in the former NFC champion, who recently underwent shoulder surgery that might keep him off the practice field until training camp at the earliest.

Such a move has divided the team’s fanbase. They are becoming tired of band-aid fixes and had Rhule and company opted to select a quarterback much earlier via the NFL Draft, then these ongoing complications could have been avoided.

A reflection of poor judgment at the most important position on the football field.

Something that has to change as a matter of urgency.

Carolina cannot be held to ransom by the Niners if they went back in for Garoppolo at any stage. This is unlikely to occur before the draft, but perhaps once they have secured a franchise left tackle from the No. 6 overall selection.

Jimmy Garoppolo’s asking price is too steep for the Carolina Panthers

According to Jonathan Alexander of the Charlotte Observer, the asking price for Garoppolo is two second-round picks, citing a source with knowledge of the negotiations. Considering the Panthers don’t possess a second-rounder this year following the Darnold trade, it would involve giving up their 2023 and 2024 Day 2 selections to seal the deal.

Realistically speaking, the Niners would like to remove Garoppolo from the equation if they are convinced Lance is ready. This would also get a hefty salary-cap number off their books that could be used to potentially secure a long-term extension with do-it-all offensive weapon Deebo Samuel.

The Panthers are the only team right now that can take on the large majority of Garoppolo’s contract. And their need for a signal-caller is obvious despite the presence of Darnold and P.J. Walker on their roster.

However, they are absolutely right to balk at this sort of offer from a player with one-year remaining on his deal. Even though there is obviously much at stake for Rhule and the team in 2022.

Perhaps the Panthers can get the price down or agree to some sort of financial package where the Niners take on some of Garoppolo’s contract to get this deal over the line. The former Eastern Illinois standout does appear like a good scheme fit in Ben McAdoo’s system and is a proven winner everywhere he’s been in the right system.

This is a fluid situation that will be resolved soon. But one thing’s for sure, the Panthers cannot move forward with Darnold as their undisputed No. 1 option if they want to generate some positivity across the organization.

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