4 worst-case draft scenarios for the Carolina Panthers in 2022

Carolina Panthers don’t land a new QB

There is an enormous amount of pressure on the Carolina Panthers to come out of the 2022 NFL Draft weekend with a new quarterback. Sam Darnold‘s time under center following his trade from the New York Jets was a complete failure and although he’s likely to still be around thanks to his $18.85 million fully guaranteed, finding a better alternative has to be acquired by the organization at the earliest possible opportunity.

Whether this comes by gambling on one at No. 6 overall is unclear. The Panthers could swing for the fences with Kenny Pickett or Malik Willis, with a trade-down for someone like Matt Corral and Sam Howell not out of the question, either.

If the Panthers decide to draft a left tackle with their first-rounder, then it might see those in power begin to explore trade possibilities for a veteran such as Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield. This is another gamble, but one that represents a quicker fix for a team that has a big-time urgency to progress.

This dynamic has the potential to make or break Carolina’s chances in 2022. If they find the right guy with an improved offensive line, then it could see things progress dramatically in Year 3 for Matt Rhule.

Not coming out of the draft weekend with another quarterback option would be very problematic. Just who that will be is a question that comes with franchise-altering ramifications.