5 quarterbacks the Carolina Panthers should avoid in 2023

Carolina Panthers should avoid Jimmy Garoppolo

There was speculation linking Jimmy Garoppolo with a trade to the Carolina Panthers last summer before those in power went with Baker Mayfield instead. The veteran’s salary and reported compensation wanted by the San Francisco 49ers was a little too rich for their blood and with limited interest from elsewhere, he stuck around to back up Trey Lance.

However, it wasn’t long before Garoppolo was manning the plate once again. Lance suffered a significant injury that ruled him out for the entire campaign and it’s a testament to the former second-round pick that no momentum has been lost in difficult circumstances.

The Niners don’t need miracles from Garoppolo. Their talent on offense under Kyle Shanahan is among the league’s best – something that was further boosted by their trade to acquire Christian McCaffrey from the Panthers shortly before the deadline.

That means Garoppolo’s task is to protect the football and get his dynamic skill position options involved quickly. This is a task he’s accomplished in the past and looks well on course for another strong NFC title challenge in the coming weeks.

Garoppolo is a free agent next spring and is doing his chances of a starting gig somewhere else the world of good. The Panthers will have a discussion about the Eastern Illinois product as a potential bridge option if their rookie quarterback or Matt Corral needs additional time, but it is going to be pretty steep from a financial standpoint and this money should be better spent elsewhere.