5 Carolina Panthers players who need a strong preseason in 2022

Matt Corral – Carolina Panthers QB

According to a recent report, the Carolina Panthers have been actively shopping quarterback Sam Darnold. However, they have yet to receive any takers for the USC product thanks in no small part to the $18.85 million fully guaranteed he’s owed after those in power picked up his fifth-year option.

This states that the trade was one of the worst in franchise history and the Panthers are clearly going to move forward with Baker Mayfield as QB1 for the 2022 season. The sooner this is conceded by influential figures, the better.

Going in this direction would also provide Matt Corral with the confidence to become the team’s primary backup next season. He’s done a lot of watching and waiting throughout camp as Darnold and Mayfield split reps, which isn’t doing anything for his overall development despite his keen attentiveness throughout.

Corral needs a lot of action in the preseason. Getting reps in practice is one thing, but taking the field against teams looking to take you down at every opportunity will be the best way to see where things stand with the Ole Miss product.

It’s been a solid start from Corral overall. His release is exceptional and the signal-caller possesses the right mentality to become Carolina’s long-term option under center if everything goes well.

Mayfield also needs some reps given how late in the day he arrived. But expect to see Corral plenty and the third-round selection must leave a good impression.