4 New Year’s wishes for the Carolina Panthers in 2023
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers find a franchise QB
Once Steve Wilks or someone else becomes head coach once the 2022 season comes to a conclusion, the Carolina Panthers must allow them the freedom to choose their franchise quarterback. The constant stream of bad personnel moves under Matt Rhule held the team back, so this is the top priority in no uncertain terms when preparations begin for the new campaign.
This is something Wilks admitted during a recent presser. The Panthers have just Matt Corral under contract in 2023, although Sam Darnold’s recent resurgence could lead to an extension as a potential bridge option until someone else is ready.
Corral could be that guy. But the Panthers don’t know for sure after the Ole Miss product suffered a serious foot injury that ruled him out for his entire rookie season.
Given how tight finances are, going down the draft route appears likely. While the Panthers have played their way out of Bryce Young, prospects such as Will Levis, C.J. Stroud, or Anthony Richardson could come into the equation once due diligence is done by those in power.
Richardson, in particular, is a polarizing prospect. The Florida stud has all the intangibles needed to become a star, so the Panthers must find a coaching staff capable of nurturing talent no matter who they choose as their new man under center.