4 position groups the Carolina Panthers must upgrade in 2023

Carolina Panthers must upgrade QB spot

Once again, the quarterback position was a carousel in 2022 for the Carolina Panthers, starting with Baker Mayfield and P.J. Walker, finally settling on Sam Darnold, who actually looked pretty decent.

Considering this, whoever the new Panthers head coach is shouldn’t settle for Darnold in 2023. An upgrade is necessary for this team to take the next step in making the playoffs.

The Panthers’ most logical solution for upgrading the quarterback position is the traditional way through the draft. Their pick is at No. 9 in the first round, but they also have several high-end selections if they were interested in trading up to get their guy.

When it comes to upcoming free agents, Lamar Jackson is a big name. However, the Baltimore Ravens will most likely extend or franchise tag their star player.

If Jackson were available, Carolina should be all in for him. Geno Smith could be an option as he led the Seattle Seahawks to an improbable playoff appearance and led the entire NFL in completion percentage. Although it’s rumored he will receive an extension.

As far as Derek Carr goes, Carolina has tried the veteran quarterback acquisition the last three seasons and it hasn’t played out well for them.

Once 2023 rolls around, Matt Corral will be in his second season after missing his entire rookie campaign with a Lisfranc injury. He should have as big of a shot as anyone to be the team’s starting quarterback and is the only one under contract for next year currently.

Darnold wasn’t bad in 2022, but he’s not the long-term answer. With a new head coach coming in, they will have their pick of the signal caller.