The complete 2022 Carolina Panthers fantasy football guide
By Brian Emory
Carolina Panthers QBs
When it comes to the quarterback position, let’s be very clear in establishing that there is not a quarterback on the Carolina Panthers’ roster worth spending a fantasy draft choice on right now. The only exception would be deep leagues where you are able to start multiple signal-callers.
It is universally understood that, as things currently stand, the Panthers have one of the worst quarterback situations in the NFL. Last season, Sam Darnold got off to a superb fantasy start throughout the first month of the season. After rushing for five touchdowns in the first four games, he was performing as one of the most valuable quarterbacks across the fantasy football landscape.
That stretch clearly wound up being an anomaly, as Darnold’s season went off the rails quickly. While the USC product still likely has some solid fantasy performances in him, he’s too turnover prone to be trusted on a week-to-week basis. Maybe in a perfect world, he has a breakout season behind Carolina’s revamped offensive line.
However, through four NFL seasons, he’s yet to prove he’s a capable starter. It seems like a waste of assets to bet on that changing this year. If Darnold gets off to another promising start throughout the first few weeks, maybe you can add him to the end of your bench just in case it’s sustained this year, but considering what we currently know he is not worth investing a draft pick on.
It’s far too soon to draft him, but it could also be worth it to monitor rookie Matt Corral’s situation throughout training camp and the preseason. Carolina’s front office was clearly high on him and thinks there’s a chance he can develop into a long-term starter.
It’s doubtful he sees much action early into the season. But if Darnold struggles again fans will be clamoring for Corral sooner rather than later.
Corral frequently used his legs while at Ole Miss. If he flashes during the preseason, it could certainly be worth monitoring him as a potential player to eventually add to your bench.
It’s very rare for quarterbacks selected past the first round to come in and provide fantasy value as a rookie. But Russell Wilson and Dak Prescott have shown it’s not completely impossible either.
Don’t draft a Panthers quarterback yet, but keep a close eye on those first few weeks. If Darnold or Corral string together a run of steady performances, beat your league by adding them.