Panthers listed among potental suitors for Sean Payton in 2023

The Carolina Panthers were listed as a potential suitor for Sean Payton if current head coach Matt Rhule cannot deliver the goods in 2023. 

Matt Rhule certainly looks refreshed and ready to take on the upcoming season. The Carolina Panthers head coach has dropped some weight, got a fresh tan, and looks reinvigorated for what’s to come over the next few weeks with the team’s training camp underway.

However, this does not detract from how much pressure is on the former Baylor man in 2022.

After accumulating 10 wins in his first two seasons and losing 12 of 14 to end the 2021 campaign, many thought Rhule would be shown the door. Instead, team owner David Tepper declared his unrivaled confidence in the man he gave a seven-year, $62 million deal.

While this is all part of the grand, long-term plan to get the Panthers back to prominence, fans are growing tired of the same old excuses. Unless there is a dramatic turnaround in the coming months, the calls for change will grow to deafening levels.

Tepper is now normally known for his patience regarding sports matters. So why he remains committed to Rhule when things continue trending downward is anyone’s guess.

If Sean Payton opts to make a coaching return in 2023, it might be a different story.

Carolina Panthers listed as a potential Sean Payton destination in 2023

Jarrett Bailey from The 33rd Team recently listed a number of teams that could be in with a shout at landing Payton next offseason if he decides to come back. Perhaps unsurprisingly, the Panthers were one such organization with Rhule projected to be on the hot seat during the upcoming campaign.

"There is a real possibility Matt Rhule is gone by the time the 2023 offseason rolls around. Carolina hasn’t found any success under the former Baylor head coach, and his seat is scolding hot. The Panthers have a good set of young players, specifically on the defensive side of the ball. Bringing in Payton to find his guy at quarterback to pair with D.J. Moore and help construct the rest of the offense in his image could get the Panthers back into contention."

This is not the first time that Carolina has been linked with Payton. Even though it would be a bombshell of epic proportions considering his prolific stint with the New Orleans Saints, an NFC South rival.

There is also the small matter of trade compensation where Payton is concerned. The recently retired figure is still under contract with the Saints, who’d want some significant draft capital from any team looking to appoint him next year.

Rhule will be looking to silence his doubters and remove all this speculation by finally proving he can become a competent head coach. The Panthers also ensured there are no more excuses after providing the man at the helm with everything he needs this offseason.

Payton’s credentials far exceed anything Rhule has right now. Tepper is also known to go against the grain and be bold if he feels like it can benefit the franchise.

This approach has not exactly paid off so far.

Tepper has yet to enjoy a winning season since buying the Panthers from Jerry Richardson in a deal that was reportedly worth $2.2 billion. A significant investment with little return to date.

Make no mistake, if Rhule cannot produce the goods in 2022, Tepper will find someone who can.

And that might be Payton when it’s all said and done.