4 quarterback situations the Panthers should monitor in 2023
By Dean Jones
Carolina Panthers could monitor Justin Fields
Debate still rages among Carolina Panthers fans about whether taking Jaycee Horn over Justin Fields in 2021 was the right thing to do. While the cornerback looks every bit like the shutdown presence those in power promised, defensive backs don’t move the needle like quarterbacks and something that’s clearly holding the team back from legitimate progress.
The Chicago Bears saw improvements from Fields as a sophomore despite a porous offensive line and limited weapons. However, they now possess the No. 1 overall selection this spring and according to general manager Ryan Poles, they will be evaluating the top quarterbacks as part of their process.
Poles added that they’d have to be blown away to move off Fields after just two years. But this is a situation Carolina should monitor in the event he does become available.
The prospect of Fields behind Carolina’s flourishing offensive line and superior playmakers is intriguing. His dual-threat ability out of the backfield is something the Panthers haven’t had since Cam Newton was in his prime, which has been sorely missed.
In truth, the Bears should trade out of the first pick and use their additional capital to provide Fields with everything he needs. If it doesn’t work out, then they’ll have the necessary ammunition to acquire a top 2024 signal-caller such as Caleb Williams or Drake Maye.