Are the Carolina Panthers preparing for more quarterback upheaval?

Despite the Carolina Panthers drafting Matt Corral, could those in power be preparing for even more quarterback upheaval before the 2022 season?

It’s been an eventful offseason period for the Carolina Panthers where the quarterback position is concerned. A significant gamble to acquire Sam Darnold from the New York Jets didn’t bring the necessary improvements and although the signal-caller remains on the books with a fully guaranteed $18.85 million, it would be a huge surprise if he managed to turn his career around at this juncture.

Darnold might be young, but he’s been in the league for four years now and the same clear complications constantly emerge. Something that left the Panthers will little alternative other than to bring in a viable alternative if they could.

Trade attempts for Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson failed to come off. Carolina did not reach for a prospect at No 6 overall – which was wise – but they moved into the third round to select Matt Corral at No. 94 overall to provide additional competition for Darnold and perhaps even a starting-caliber quarterback with more development.

Corral got the seal of approval from offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo, who reportedly banged the table hard for the Ole Miss product according to general manager Scott Fitterer.

However, with plenty of salary-cap space remaining and almost every hole filled, could the Panthers be willing to implement even more quarterback upheaval to its roster ahead of the 2022 campaign?

Carolina Panthers have reportedly not closed the door on Baker Mayfield

It is something the Panthers are reportedly considering. According to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Carolina has not closed the door entirely on a move for Baker Mayfield despite cutting off talks with the Cleveland Browns during the draft thanks in no small part to how his $18.85 million will be divided.

"“My understanding is the door isn’t 100% shut on the Panthers and talks regarding Baker Mayfield, but I certainly received the impression that Carolina isn’t in any rush, nor are they pressed, per league source. They will roll as is, if need be, per league source. Matt Corral getting 3rd round money. Carolina can make this work..just like Seattle can. This is about perception and principle. Teams feel the Browns have to get rid of Baker. Not soon they don’t. Deshaun (Watson)’s making $1M+ this season and we’re still waiting to hear his status.”"

This is a fluid situation that will be constantly assessed by the Panthers. Cleveland has little leverage when it comes to Mayfield, who is surplus to requirements after the team traded for Deshaun Watson and also signed Tyrod Taylor in free agency.

Carolina is right not to be in any rush. The coaching staff and McAdoo in particular will run the rule over Darnold and Corral during OTAs and perhaps even training camp before deciding on whether more is needed.

Mayfield is also recovering from shoulder surgery, as is Jimmy Garoppolo. So bringing them in right now would probably cause more unnecessary complications in the long run.

If Darnold cannot raise his game and Corral does not adjust quickly, then the Panthers will have an easy choice to make. They might also get a good deal for Mayfield as the Browns are reluctant to release the player entirely given the astronomical dead-cap figure they’d take on.

Adding Mayfield or Garoppolo gives the Panthers a better chance to win next season. But the Seattle Seahawks might also look to do the same if Drew Lock and Geno Smith do not prove themselves during the opening stages of their offseason program.

Much will depend on how Darnold adjusts to McAdoo’s system. The coach was not exactly complimentary about the player coming out of college, so he probably already has a preconceived notion of what he has and especially after what the signal-caller has displayed over his four-year stint as a starter so far.

Although fans probably don’t want to hear it, sitting Corral for most if not all of the 2022 season is a real possibility. But the Panthers need to know what they have before deciding on whether to take the plunge in a very deep class of quarterbacks next year.

Patience has paid off for Carolina’s front office so far this offseason regarding recruitment.

Whether it’s a method they will use again is the big question that simply won’t go away.