5 players who could follow Frank Reich to the Carolina Panthers in 2023

Carolina Panthers could sign Jacoby Brissett

Until the Carolina Panthers get things right at the quarterback position, it will be difficult to make any sort of playoff bid. Frank Reich knows this all too well from a series of floundering moves by the Indianapolis Colts front office, so he won’t want something similar occurring in a different environment.

General manager Scott Fitterer outlined his intent to land their signal-caller of choice. His preference to draft and develop around a rookie contract means a bold trade-up from No. 9 overall cannot be dismissed, but the Panthers might need a veteran bridge to shoulder some short-term responsibility alongside a rookie from the college ranks.

While the prospect of Sam Darnold returning increased after his improvements over the second half of 2022, hitting the reset button is preferred. And there is nobody more reliable on the free-agent market this offseason than Jacoby Brissett.

Seen as a journeyman by most, Brissett performed well for the Cleveland Browns in 2022 filling in for the suspended Deshaun Watson. He is an efficient distributor, is an impressive leader, and also boasts eye-catching athleticism to make waves running out of the backfield.

Brissett worked with Reich on the Indianapolis Colts, so transitioning back to his scheme should be relatively straightforward. This makes a ton of sense, but the veteran might seek assurances of playing time Carolina couldn’t guarantee if they managed to get their hands on Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud.