What realistic quarterback options could the Carolina Panthers potentially secure during an important 2023 offseason for the franchise?
No sooner had the Carolina Panthers been eliminated from playoff contention after a disappointing defeat at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, speculation was rife about what the franchise’s immediate future will look like. This starts with the head coach – whether Steve Wilks or someone else – but the quarterback position is another important element to the upcoming offseason that’s likely to gain significant interest.
After a series of failed personnel moves under Matt Rhule centering on suspect trades, the Panthers must be more cautious in their approach. Hopefully, general manager Scott Fitterer will have a bigger say in the decision-making process, but team owner David Tepper’s influence is something else that could complicate matters.
Almost every option is on the table for Carolina. What conclusion they make is likely to shape the short and long-term future of the organization once a new coaching regime is confirmed.
With this in mind, here are five realistic quarterback options for the Panthers in 2023.
Quarterback No. 1
Sam Darnold – Carolina Panthers QB
After a mini-resurgence since becoming the starting quarterback, the future prospects of Sam Darnold have improved. The former USC star gave up three turnovers – two of which weren’t necessarily his fault – in Week 17 at the Buccaneers, but he threw for 341 yards and three scores during another positive performance overall.
While it would be unlikely a long-term extension comes Darnold’s way, the Panthers might need a bridge option to man the plate next season until someone else is ready to take charge under center. Whether a complete rest would be more beneficial is a question for Scott Fitterer and the next Carolina Panthers head coach to figure out.
Carolina Panthers could draft C.J. Stroud
Considering how finances are tight for the Carolina Panthers in 2023, going down the college route would be the wise choice in pursuit of a franchise quarterback. No longer can the organization rely on big-name veterans surplus to requirements elsewhere – this is the time to find a prospect with potential from the college ranks and build around a rookie deal.
This is the reason why many fans are calling for Carolina to lose its final game at the New Orleans Saints. A notion that was completely dismissed by interim head coach Steve Wilks, who wants the Panthers to finish on a positive note and conclude the campaign 6-6 under his leadership.
While winning would have draft implications, the Panthers have enough capital to potentially examine trade possibilities if a particular prospect catches their eye. With Bryce Young largely anticipated to become the first-overall selection, that puts C.J. Stroud under the microscope.
Stroud’s incredible performance against the Georgia Bulldogs in the college football playoffs alleviated most doubts surrounding the signal-caller. His poise, mobility, accuracy, and ability to perform under pressure won’t go unnoticed by NFL scouts, so trading up to No. 2 overall might be something the Panthers pursue when the time comes.
The Chicago Bears are currently in that spot. This would likely mean passing on Will Anderson Jr. or Jalen Carter, but they don’t need a new man under center and could get a king’s ransom from Carolina to surround Justin Fields with the weapons he needs.
Matt Corral – Carolina Panthers QB
The forgotten man in the Carolina Panthers’ quarterback conundrum is Matt Corral. After an unfortunate foot injury suffered during the preseason, those in power within the organization have no clue whether or not their 2022 third-round selection can become a productive NFL starter.
He didn’t show much of anything in limited reps in warmup games. But it’s also worth remembering that Corral was playing with third and fourth-stringers across the board after the Panthers secured the services of Baker Mayfield via trade from the Cleveland Browns.
Corral is the only signal-caller under contract in 2023 right now. That is likely to change before OTAs and training camp roll around, but where the former Ole Miss standout will find himself in the pecking order is a question nobody knows the answer to.
Some fans want Corral to get his shot with someone like Sam Darnold backing him up. If it doesn’t work out, then the Panthers can draft one of many exceptional prospects set to declare for the 2024 NFL Draft.
The problem for Corral is a new coaching staff, who have no emotional attachment and weren’t around when the Panthers traded up to land him at No. 94 overall. Waiting around another year for a college quarterback is tiresome, so now could be the time to strike.
Should Corral win the job outright, then fair enough. But at the end of the day, he’s too much of an unknown to just make him the No. 1 option without proving himself first.
Carolina Panthers could draft Will Levis
If the Carolina Panthers decided to hold firm rather than make a daring trade-up during the 2023 NFL Draft, then it leaves their fate with the football gods. This is also unlikely to land them either Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud, the consensus top-two prospects with the production to match.
This leaves the Panthers looking at others. These include prospects with potential that don’t necessarily have the tools to start right away but can be molded into stars over time.
One such individual is becoming arguably the most polarizing prospect in this entire class. Will Levis has all the physical tools normally associated with productive NFL signal-callers, but his inconsistent form in 2022 means it could be some time before he’s ready to start.
Carolina hasn’t really bet on traits when it comes to quarterbacks in recent years. They decided not to trade up for Justin Herbert and passed on Justin Fields in favor of cornerback Jaycee Horn, so whether Matt Rhule’s departure comes with a shift in approach remains to be seen.
Levis has arm strength that is off the charts and his athletic traits are sure to generate real interest during pre-draft assessments. However, processing, decision-making, and keeping his eyes downfield under duress and huge red flags that need substantial coaching over a prolonged period.
This would be risky, there’s no getting away from that. It would also be important for the Panthers to acquire staff capable of nurturing Levis if he ended up in Carolina.
Carolina Panthers could draft Anthony Richardson
Much like the situation with Will Levis, another prospect entering the draft comes with unlimited upside. Anthony Richardson‘s encouraging progress with the Florida Gators in 2022 has seen his stock soar as a result, with many projecting the signal-caller to be a first-round pick once he shines as expected during the evaluation process.
Richardson might be a project to many, but the growth is obvious. And the prospect has essential, exciting traits that could make him a true NFL superstar with the right development.
His electrifying capabilities as a dual-threat weapon have drawn comparisons to former Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton. Richardson’s pocket presence has also come on leaps and bounds this season, which is a sign of taking on coaching well and is another major positive.
While there is some work to do with Richardson, his rapid rise during his first year as a starter indicates these improvements could come quicker than anticipated. Something that could see the Panthers take a chance.
This is a feast or famine move, one suspects. But it might be the key that sparks the Panthers into legitimate contention sooner rather than later.
They have to shoot their shot sometime. Providing everything checks out during the assessment period, then Richardson might be the guy when it’s all said and done.