Which quarterbacks should the Carolina Panthers avoid in 2023 if they continue with their method of exploring trade opportunities?
It doesn’t take a genius to figure out that the Carolina Panthers are going to add another quarterback in 2023. Only rookie Matt Corral is under contract next season and although Sam Darnold’s recent form is encouraging overall, relying on him long-term represents a risky proposition based on his five NFL campaigns to date.
Whether it’s Steve Wilks or a bright offensive mind, the Panthers have to get their choice right under center. Something previous head coach Matt Rhule couldn’t manage during a disastrous three-year stint in the role.
These rash personnel moves centered on trades more often than not. Baker Mayfield and Darnold didn’t reach the heights expected, but that might not stop those in power from going down this route again if they feel like it can enhance hopes of becoming a contender.
Upon further examination, here are four quarterback trades the Panthers should avoid in 2023.
Quarterback No. 1
Carolina Panthers should avoid Will Levis
If the Carolina Panthers want a shot at drafting one of the top-three quarterbacks in the 2023 NFL Draft, then they might have to move up. Something that will be discussed given the need for a long-term solution at football’s most important position.
Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud look head and shoulders above the rest. Even though Will Levis‘ intangibles are reportedly drawing real interest from NFL teams across the country, the Panthers would be wise to examine alternatives.
Carolina Panthers should avoid Zach Wilson
When the New York Jets selected Zach Wilson at No. 2 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft, he was seen as their savior. Someone that could finally drag them from irrelevancy into legitimate contention with a smooth transition to the professional ranks.
Wilson showed some promise as a rookie. But a dismal sophomore campaign that’s featured benchings, tantrums, and everything in between means his future looks incredibly bleak in New York.
Once any player loses the confidence of the Jets’ fanbase, there’s no going back. Just ask Sam Darnold, who was traded to the Carolina Panthers for an exceptional haul shortly before the draft.
Although head coach Robert Saleh claims Wilson is still part of the team’s long-term future, it would be a surprise if general manager Joe Douglas wasn’t a willing listener if another organization came calling.
The Panthers could be one such team depending on what their views of Wilson are. And how ironic it is to see Darnold’s replacement faltering while he enjoys a career renaissance under Steve Wilks.
It’s probably too soon to be giving up on Wilson, even if there is a substantial amount of hard work ahead. However, the Panthers cannot mortgage their future for someone that may or may not work out.
Carolina Panthers should avoid Aaron Rodgers
It seems like Aaron Rodgers‘ future with the Green Bay Packers will once again come under scrutiny this offseason. Nothing new if recent history is any indication.
Things have come together for the signal-caller down the stretch after a poor opening to the campaign. Even if it might not end with a postseason appearance with the Minnesota Vikings winning the NFC North comfortably.
Rodgers is taking everything in his stride and seems at peace. Walking away from the game entirely cannot be ruled out, but the Packers might look to maximize his value and formally hand the reins to Jordan Love – a former first-round selection that’s waited patiently for an opportunity.
If this scenario comes to fruition, there could be significant interest in Rodgers. Especially from a team that needs a prolific distributor under center to get over the hump.
The Carolina Panthers have enough talent to potentially examine what Rodgers could bring to the franchise. The compensation and salary cap hit would be large, which could jeopardize strengthening other areas of need in free agency or the draft.
Green Bay has had no trouble moving on from franchise cornerstones in recent years. But they’d have to be completely convinced Love is ready to become the true No. 1 without Rodgers’ cloud hanging over the franchise.
Regardless of which way this situation goes, Carolina shouldn’t involve itself. This sort of trade is for a win-now team who plans to go all in during the 2023 season.
Carolina Panthers should avoid Derek Carr
There was no team with more hype than the Las Vegas Raiders before the campaign began. Their bold trade for wide receiver Davante Adams and other key acquisitions set everything up for quarterback Derek Carr to potentially lead this franchise on a deep postseason run providing new head coach Josh McDaniels lived up to his own billing.
As it turned out, McDaniels looks out of his depth once again and Carr is the sacrificial lamb. The quarterback’s erratic production and suspect leadership resulted in the Raiders not only benching the veteran but sending him packing from the facility entirely.
This is reportedly to ensure Carr’s health is maintained ahead of a potential trade this offseason. While his relationship with McDaniels soured, players like the former Fresno State standout normally get a second chance to make a lasting impact elsewhere.
The Carolina Panthers have a questionable track record when it comes to trading for signal-callers down on their luck. Carr might not be like the rest given he threw for 4,804 passing yards and 23 touchdowns in 2021, but it still represents a significant risk given his current career trajectory.
Building through the draft and around those already on the Panthers is probably the best route to go down. However, nothing can be dismissed entirely with the unpredictable David Tepper influencing the decision-making process.
No matter what temptations arise in the coming weeks, the Panthers must learn from previous errors and adjust accordingly. Otherwise, nothing will change.