4 Panthers position groups that still need improving before 2022 season

Carolina Panthers could strengthen QB spot

The Carolina Panthers left no stone unturned in pursuit of finding an upgrade on Sam Darnold this offseason. Trade attempts for Deshaun Watson and Russell Wilson didn’t come off and although Matt Corral came on board via the draft, the Ole Miss product is seen as a work in progress rather than an immediate problem-solver during his rookie year.

Darnold is also still around, which isn’t the biggest confidence boost for a fanbase that is demanding to see improvements next season. His production following a high-profile trade from the New York Jets was disappointing and inconsistent in equal measure, so it’s going to take a substantial turnaround from the player to reignite his career if given another opportunity.

There remains plenty of speculation that the Panthers are not done at the most important position on the field. They restructured contracts to give themselves multiple options, with a move for Baker Mayfield continuously coming up despite talks breaking down during the draft.

Going into the season with Darnold as the starter is a significant gamble. Something that Matt Rhule would be betting his job on in no uncertain terms.

Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo would be band-aid solutions to an ongoing complication. But it would be wise for the Panthers to get someone in pretty quickly with mandatory minicamp and training camp on the horizon.