What are some pros and cons to the Carolina Panthers potentially targeting quarterback Derek Carr following his release from the Las Vegas Raiders?
The news of Derek Carr‘s release from the Las Vegas Raiders was expected and officially confirmed on Tuesday. This brings an end to his nine-year relationship with the franchise, which ended on a sour note despite the signal-caller making the Pro Bowl in 2022.
No sooner had the developments been announced, the Carolina Panthers were heavily linked with acquiring Carr. A move that’s been the cause of great debate among the team’s fanbase as a result.
Frank Reich is in the process of putting together arguably the best coaching staff in team history. But unless the Panthers et their next move right at the quarterback position, it’s unlikely to come with any major progression during his first season as head coach.
With this in mind, here are four pros and cons to the Panthers potentially signing Carr in 2023.
Pro No. 1
Carolina Panthers get a motivated QB
Derek Carr is going to be highly motivated next season wherever he ends up. He clearly felt mistreated by the Las Vegas Raiders, even though the organization seemed to put everything around the Fresno State product – including former college teammate Davante Adams – in order to thrive last time around.
Carr fell flat on his face and the Raiders were an absolute mess overall. The veteran won’t want to end his career on a sour note, but whether this extra incentive is enough for the Carolina Panthers to acquire another signal-caller down on his luck is another matter.
Carolina Panthers must be wary of recent history
The thought of acquiring another quarterback surplus to requirements elsewhere obviously fills every Carolina Panthers fan with dread. This is thanks in no small part to the constant stream of failed personnel moves during Matt Rhule’s incompetent three-year stint as head coach.
First, it was Teddy Bridgewater. Then followed Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, who simply didn’t cut the mustard and left the Panthers staring the No. 1 overall selection in the face before Steve Wilks turned things around last season.
While there’s a chance Derek Carr could shift the narrative working alongside Frank Reich and his all-star coaching staff loaded with legitimate NFL experience, it also represents a band-aid fix to an ongoing complication. Something that would instantly halt the momentum generated this offseason.
Perhaps this is being a little harsh on Carr, who is a top-20 quarterback at the peak of his powers. But it’s hard to say with any great confidence what the player can be next season after such an indifferent final campaign with the Las Vegas Raiders.
The Panthers need to be 100 percent convinced in Carr. Otherwise, they are risking a significant amount as the team finally looks to get out of irrelevancy and into the playoff picture.
And one doesn’t have to look far throughout recent history to see what complications could emerge if Carr cannot return to the form of old.
Carolina Panthers get a solid bridge QB
Everything seems to be in place for the Carolina Panthers to challenge for the NFC South in 2023. Tom Brady is no longer a problem, but those in power need to solve their own quarterback complication with only Matt Corral considered a legitimate option for their 53-man roster currently.
Obviously, there will never be a better time for the Panthers to land a top prospect from the college ranks. However, it’s highly likely they’ll need to move up from No. 9 overall to secure a potential difference-maker.
Regardless of who comes in from the college ranks, Carolina might need a capable veteran until Corral or someone else is ready to assume command. This makes the chances of targeting Derek Carr more likely, even if it would cause division among the fanbase for good measure.
Obviously, this sort of situation wouldn’t be ideal for Carr.
The former second-round pick is unlikely to settle for a one-year, prove-it contract. Considering the robust market anticipated, offering a multi-year deal with guarantees to start is the only way this deal gets over the line.
Should the market be less intense for Carr, then the Panthers could offer him a bridge-type situation. This keeps his foot in the door and if he performs well under Frank Reich, a possible extension or big-money move elsewhere in 2024 is highly probable.
Carolina Panthers would take a sideways step
As stated previously, Derek Carr could thrive with additional motivation in 2023. However, after so much mismanagement at the quarterback position under Matt Rhule, many would see this as another sideways step by the Carolina Panthers.
General manager Scott Fitterer recently highlighted his preference to draft and develop, building around a rookie contract at a time when the Panthers looked primed to take a substantial leap in the right direction. The front office figure also seemed confident other areas of the roster were solid enough to make a bold move up the pecking order if the right deal could be struck.
"“I think you’ve got to have conviction. If there’s a guy in this class that you like, you got to go up and go get him. We’re in a position now where we have a defense, we have an offensive line. We built around this for this opportunity. So if you have conviction, go get him. If not, you don’t want to force it. You don’t want to take a player and pass on a really good player, that might set you back. But you can’t be afraid to take a shot if you believe that’s the guy.”"
This sort of move would provide the Panthers with a long-term, concise plan for stability at the quarterback position. Frank Reich has also assembled a coaching staff capable of nurturing talent exceptionally.
These signs point to a college signal-caller. Whether Carr could take on coaching in a similar fashion at this stage of his career is highly debatable.