Which current quarterback situations around the NFL are worse than the Carolina Panthers heading into the 2023 off-season?
The early signs are positive surrounding new head coach Frank Reich. His immediate desire to form a coaching staff among the most accomplished anywhere in the league has further raised excitement among fans, but the Carolina Panthers must figure out the quarterback position to guarantee legitimate strides in 2023.
This is a complex situation with many moving parts. The Panthers are not alone in their desire to upgrade football’s most pivotal position, which could mean another offseason of significant upheaval around the NFL.
Carolina can only focus on themselves. And when they identify their primary target, those in power must strike with conviction to get any deal over the line.
It might look bleak right now. But here are three quarterback situations that look worse than the Panthers heading into the 2023 off-season.
Situation No. 1
Carolina Panthers have a better situation than the Raiders
The indifferent relationship between Derek Carr and the Las Vegas Raiders is at an end. His release to save substantial funds is sure to come with an instant opportunity elsewhere, which leaves Josh McDaniels free to examine other capable options that better fit his offensive scheme.
Only Jarrett Stidham represents a viable option for Las Vegas right now. Not exactly ideal, but the Raiders have the No. 7 overall selection and cash to spend in free agency if they find their guy.
Carolina Panthers have a better situation than the Buccaneers
After weeks of speculation about his future, Tom Brady has officially retired. This ends a storied career that will go down in folklore as one of the greatest ever.
Brady deserves his flowers after everything he’s given the game. But this doesn’t make things any easier for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers if they want to remain competitive next season.
This is something the Buccaneers should have been preparing for, in all honesty. Tampa Bay might have beaten the Carolina Panthers to the NFC South title in 2022, but the arrival of Frank Reich means they could make a much stronger push next time around if the right quarterback comes into the fold.
Nobody knows how good Kyle Trask is or could be given how Brady took the snaps. The former second-round selection should get a chance to prove himself after learning from the first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Famer, but it’s a lot to ask with minimal competitive NFL reps to go off currently.
Adding to their options during free agency and the 2023 NFL Draft is another likely scenario. Even if fans are bracing themselves for a season of transition without Brady controlling the line of scrimmage.
If the Buccaneers bomb out this season, opportunity knocks for Carolina. Even if it might be short-lived if Tampa Bay lands someone like Caleb Williams or Drake May in 2024.
Carolina Panthers have a better situation than the Saints
Speaking of the NFC South, things could be more promising for the New Orleans Saints under center. Their preference for Andy Dalton and Jameis Winston last season came with little in the way of consistency, which cost them an opportunity to clinch a shock divisional title thanks to its overall weakness.
The Carolina Panthers took full advantage of this by sweeping the Saints in 2022. Something they’ll be confident of doing again now that Frank Reich is leading the charge.
New Orleans is already preparing for life without Winston and Dalton, although the former is still under contract in 2023. They appear to be the frontrunners to acquire Derek Carr after the two parties met at length last week, but how much of an upgrade this becomes is the million-dollar question.
The Saints are also set to make more salary-cap sacrifices that won’t make things any easier. According to Spotrac, they are $57.38 million in the red currently, which could mean some top players depart to ease the financial burden.
Couple this with no first-round pick until later in proceedings, and it’s not hard to see where complications under center could emerge if Carr doesn’t pan out. A situation that could mean extra positivity for the Panthers with the NFC South there for the taking.