4 unknown quantities ahead of Carolina Panthers 2023 offseason

Carolina Panthers QB situation

Aside from anything else, the quarterback position remains the biggest stumbling block between the Carolina Panthers and genuine progress. This was a constant source of frustration under Matt Rhule, who couldn’t correctly evaluate or develop talent at football’s most pivotal position.

The Panthers have only Matt Corral under contract in 2023. There is a chance Sam Darnold is extended as a bridge option, but much will depend on how Frank Reich perceives his mini-resurgence when installed into the starting lineup at the expense of Baker Mayfield.

Acquiring reinforcements is almost guaranteed.

It’s how Carolina goes about this that remains the biggest talking point.

While the temptation to acquire someone via trade is evident, that might not be the smartest way to go about things. Especially considering how similar moves contributed heavily to Rhule’s demise.

Going down the draft is a realistic option. However, trading up to land their signal-caller of choosing could be prudent from No. 9 overall looking at who’s ahead of Carolina in the pecking order.

Until this problem is sorted out, it doesn’t matter who is the head coach. The quarterback is king and the Panthers have been sorely lacking in this key area since Rhule unceremoniously removed Cam Newton well into 2020 free agency.