4 obstacles that could prevent Matt Corral from playing in 2022
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers bring in more competition for Matt Corral
It’s been an eventful offseason of quarterback speculation once again for the Carolina Panthers. They’ve been linked with almost every prominent veteran in the trade market, failing in bids to land Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson before settling on Matt Corral at No. 94 overall in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Although there is some upside where Corral is concerned, the Panthers might not be done strengthening their options under center. Something those in power feel almost compelled to do given how much Sam Darnold struggled following his trade from the New York Jets in 2021.
Rumors remain about another attempt to land Baker Mayfield from the Cleveland Browns. Although reports suggest there is some division within the front office and coaching staff about whether or not this is the right call to make.
Another potential option for Carolina is Jimmy Garoppolo, who is set to be ready for training camp following offseason shoulder surgery but comes with a big-time cap number of $26.95 million that might put the Panthers off when it’s all said and done.
Whether it’s Mayfield, Garoppolo, or someone else, if another veteran comes on board it’s going to make life difficult for Corral in pursuit of meaningful playing time as a rookie. But it’s once again important to stress that it wouldn’t be the worst thing in the world by any stretch of the imagination.