4 quarterback situations the Panthers should monitor in 2023

Carolina Panthers could monitor Lamar Jackson

Things could get ugly between Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens in the near future. After failing to reach terms on a new contract, the quarterback’s been conspicuous by his absence in recent weeks, which is clearly frustrating head coach John Harbaugh to the point where he doesn’t even want to discuss the issue.

Jackson’s status for this weekend’s playoff game is undetermined. But the signal-caller is clearly having reservations about putting himself in harm’s way without some financial security to fall back on.

Nobody can blame Jackson for this. One only has to look at the situations involving Kyler Murray and Damar Hamlin to see how precarious an NFL player’s career can be for numerous reasons.

Baltimore extending All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith to a record-breaking deal leaves them free to use the franchise tag on Jackson. However, the former NFL MVP has made his feelings clear about playing on this, so things are likely coming to a head in the not-too-distant future between all parties involved.

The Carolina Panthers and others across the league will be keeping a close eye on developments. Any trade is sure to come with substantial compensation and Jackson would also seek assurances about his guaranteed money, but this could be the franchise player the team’s been craving since Cam Newton was unceremoniously removed by Matt Rhule in 2020.