Mac Jones situation proves Panthers did something right at QB

The ongoing situation between Mac Jones and the New England Patriots indicates that the Carolina Panthers did one thing right at quarterback under Matt Rhule.

Finding a new quarterback is something that the Carolina Panthers must do this off-season. A constant stream of failed free-agent signings and trades that bombed out left the team in purgatory, which played a significant role in Matt Rhule’s firing after an extremely indifferent three years at the helm.

General manager Scott Fitterer is now in charge of personnel after playing second fiddle to Rhule over the last two offseasons. This was no doubt frustrating for the front office figure, but he now has an opportunity to hit the reset button and finally put a stable plan in place for long-term success.

Fitterer made no secret of his intent to draft and develop. This could lead to the Panthers picking a quarterback prospect at No. 9 overall or even making a daring surge up the pecking order in pursuit of landing their prospect of choice.

Carolina’s new-look coaching staff makes this the perfect environment for any young player learning his craft. Something that could also see Matt Corral’s development progress significantly after a frustrating first year with the Panthers.

Carolina Panthers dodged a bullet with Mac Jones

For all Rhule’s faults, it appears the Panthers did something right where the quarterback position was concerned under his tenure. That was avoiding the temptation to draft Mac Jones at No. 9 overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.

Jones was tipped by many to be Carolina’s pick despite trading for Sam Darnold. Some even had the Alabama product going No. 3 overall after the San Francisco 49ers traded a substantial amount of capital to move into a prominent position.

It’s been an indifferent start to Jones’ time at the next level. To put it mildly.

The New England Patriots aren’t blessed with great pass-catchers around him. But recent revelations from Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated on 98.5 The Sports Hub with Zolak and Bertrand via Justin Leger of NBC Sports indicate that those within the building believe there isn’t much gap between the third-year pro and Bailey Zappe, who made a solid impression last season.

What this means for Jones in the short term is undecided. Breer added that it’s unlikely he gets traded, primarily because the insider feels no realistic offer would arrive on Bill Belichick’s table.

"“I’m not saying they think Bailey’s as good as Mac, but there was some element of Bailey doing what he was coached to do last year that I think gave Bailey the edge to some degree for a little while there. So I think it’ll be interesting to see what would happen if a real offer came along. I don’t think a real offer is going to come along, but it’d be interesting to see what would happen if a real offer did come along.”"

This is a problem the Panthers thankfully don’t have. Even though Jones could work out with a better coordinator structure in place, entering Year 3 with these concerns isn’t the best situation – although there won’t be many sympathizers in Carolina thanks to his dirty play on Brian Burns.

Not taking Justin Fields rather than Jones seems to be a more contentious point among fans. But there are no doubting Jaycee Horn’s credentials as a true shutdown cornerback after a sensational sophomore campaign.

What’s important for the Panthers is looking forward with a concise plan that sets them up not just for improvements in 2023, but also to gradually emerge as the NFL powerhouse team owner David Tepper’s been craving.

Following in Tom Brady’s immense footsteps was never going to be easy for Jones. For the Panthers, they have never had a better chance to finally find a long-term successor for Cam Newton.