Carolina Panthers 53-man roster prediction after 2022 minicamp

Carolina Panthers quarterbacks

• Sam Darnold, Matt Corral.

As head coach Matt Rhule stated following the conclusion of mandatory minicamp, if the season started today the Carolina Panthers would move forward with Sam Darnold as their starter.

The problem is, the season doesn’t begin for some time.

Darnold was reportedly impressive during offseason workouts. But there is enough bad production in a game-day setting to suggest that the signal-caller cannot be counted upon when push comes to shove.

The Panthers brought in Matt Corral after moving up to acquire the former Ole Miss standout at No. 94 overall. However, expecting him to start right out of the gate is unrealistic and especially considering how much Carolina has at stake next season.

So where does that leave the Panthers?

Either they stand pat with Darnold and Corral, bring back Cam Newton, or look to the trade market for someone like Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield.

Newton’s return seems unlikely, one suspects. Carolina is still doing its due diligence on Mayfield and Garoppolo would probably become more enticing if the signal-caller is released by the San Francisco 49ers.

The quarterback position has the scope to hold Carolina back from genuine progress once again. That’s why another roll of the dice via trade is the most likely scenario right now.