4 legitimate contenders for the Carolina Panthers QB job in 2023
By Dean Jones
Which quarterbacks should the Carolina Panthers consider as legitimate candidates to take the organization forward in 2023?
It was another messy affair in Week 6 for the Carolina Panthers en route to yet another embarrassing loss. The Los Angeles Rams weren’t at their best by any stretch of the imagination, but serious, ongoing flaws resurfaced and drama enveloped the sidelines during a fifth defeat in six games to open the 2022 campaign.
This puts the Panthers in a real predicament. There is talk of trading away some top stars to better prepare for the future despite the obvious salary-cap complications that will emerge, with little in the way of draft picks to go off after a flurry of activity from influential figures within the organization.
One of the biggest problems throughout Matt Rhule’s era was an inability to find a solution at the most important position in football. Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield were decisions that didn’t pan out, so this is something Carolina has to solve in order to finally start making improvements long-term.
With that being said, here are four quarterbacks emerging as legitimate contenders for Carolina’s No. 1 job in 2023.
QB Contender No. 1
Carolina Panthers should consider Will Levis
There is a lot of work to do where Will Levis is concerned. However, the Kentucky prospect has the right intangibles to become a productive NFL starter if he develops in the right way upon entering the league.
Levis has the size, athleticism, and arm strength that teams always covet. Considering how raw Josh Allen was coming out of Wyoming and what he is now, this statement bears even more significance as teams look for their own franchise player under center.
The Carolina Panthers are likely going to have a top-five selection at worst if things carry on in a similar fashion. Taking Levis is a major risk, but the rewards could be substantial.