4 bold predictions for the Carolina Panthers 2022 NFL Draft
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers trade for a veteran QB
Even though general manager Scott Fitterer stated there were top quarterbacks in this class he’d be comfortable taking at No. 6 overall, it was hard to believe. This group of signal-callers comes with some significant questions and perhaps no Day 1 starter, which is exactly what the Carolina Panthers are looking for given how much Sam Darnold struggled in 2021.
Fitterer stated he would like to get out of the all-important draft weekend with a new quarterback at some stage. The front office figure also sat down with Darnold on Tuesday to inform the player that competition for his spot would be arriving in the not-too-distant future.
Drafting a prospect sounds nice. And if there was no pressure on Matt Rhule, this might be the avenue they pursue.
But that is simply not the case
Moving forward with Darnold and a rookie sitting behind him would not provide the greatest sense of optimism that Rhule can turn things around in a crucial third season at the helm. A veteran such as Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield might be a worthwhile short-term solution, but it would give the Panthers a better chance in 2022.
Some fans might not like it. However, coming out of the weekend with a veteran quarterback via trade is another massive roll of the dice that Carolina could end up making.