Which free-agent quarterbacks could potentially interest the Carolina Panthers when the legal tampering period gets underway in 2023?
With only Matt Corral and Jacob Eason under contract currently, the Carolina Panthers need to find a quarterback or two this offseason. Speculation continues to rise regarding a franchise signal-caller from the college ranks, but adding to their options via free agency is something else to ponder.
This should be explored even if the Panthers move up for someone like C.J. Stroud or Bryce Young. Corral’s inexperience after missing his entire rookie campaign in 2022 means a veteran must be sought to provide a potential bridge option or mentor any college prospect during their initial transition.
Of course, the Panthers could also extend Sam Darnold after a bright second half of the season. However, this would be seen as a sideways step rather than a significant leap forward based on his full body or work.
There are other options if the money is right. With this in mind, here are six free-agent quarterbacks the Panthers could sign in 2023.
Quarterback No. 1
Carolina Panthers could sign Andy Dalton
Even though Andy Dalton’s days as a starter appear over, the Carolina Panthers need someone that can fit the system and mentor a young signal-caller during their crucial transition to the next level. Something that makes him a viable option that won’t cost the earth.
Dalton would also be able to provide offensive secrets from his time with the New Orleans Saints. This is another valuable element to factor into the equation.
Carolina Panthers could sign Carson Wentz
Frank Reich and Carson Wentz are no strangers to each other. The coach was hugely influential in the quarterback’s early development with the Philadelphia Eagles before they linked up once again with the Indianapolis Colts before the 2021 campaign.
This didn’t go according to plan and Wentz was traded to the Washington Commanders. Reich lost his job soon after, but the Carolina Panthers clearly saw enough in the experienced offensive mind to bring him on board.
Wentz was officially released by the Commanders on Monday, which saves the franchise $26.17 million on their cap. What the future holds is unclear, but walking into any organization and starting seems a long shot given his current trajectory.
Reich won’t want to get burned by Wentz again. So a third destination for the duo seems unlikely all things considered.
However, if the former North Dakota State star accepts a team-friendly deal on the premise he’ll be a backup, then the possibility becomes more realistic. And in all honesty, sitting on the sidelines could be the best thing for Wentz in pursuit of building back some confidence.
The groans would be deafening if Carolina went in this direction. But the connection between Wentz and Reich is there for all to see.
Carolina Panthers could sign Jacoby Brissett
Finding a quarterback that is already familiar with Frank Reich’s scheme and overall demands seems like a smart move. Something that could lead the Carolina Panthers to Jacoby Brissett when the free-agent frenzy commences.
Brissett has everything Carolina wants in a veteran quarterback. He leads from the front, is efficient with the football, and has proven credentials to step in at a moment’s notice from a backup role.
After playing well for the Cleveland Browns filling in for the suspended Deshaun Watson, Brissett might look for an opportunity to start elsewhere. This is something the Panthers could provide – albeit in the short term – depending on which quarterback prospect they choose from the 2023 NFL Draft.
Signing Brissett makes a ton of sense. His previous connection to Reich from their time together on the Indianapolis Colts would ensure a smooth transition, but much will depend on the money involved with not much spare cash to go around until sacrifices are made.
Of all the options available to the Panthers, this one is arguably the most appealing. Especially considering the contracts some others sitting on the market might be looking for.
Carolina Panthers could sign Marcus Mariota
The Atlanta Falcons made an expected move shortly before the NFL Scouting Combine when they released Marcus Mariota. A move that saves them $12 million in cap space and sees their available funds surge to just over $65 million for good measure.
This should put them in a position to be major players in free agency. Something that increases the urgency for the Carolina Panthers if they want to secure NFC South supremacy in 2023.
Perhaps examining Mariota’s potential as a backup behind any rookie quarterback could enter Carolina’s train of thought. While the former Oregon star might never live up to the level expected of a No. 2 overall selection, his mobility, and overall athleticism mean he could be a capable No. 2.
Mariota’s filled this role well before with the Las Vegas Raiders. This got him another chance to start in Atlanta, but it was clear from pretty early on that things weren’t going to work out thanks to poor performance and injury problems.
Carolina could offer Mariota a career lifeline as a bridge option or primary backup. Although Matt Corral is going to fight with all he has to silence his doubters and force his way into Frank Reich’s plans.
Based on Mariota’s production last season, this represents a gamble. One that could see the Panthers explore alternative options when push comes to shove.
Carolina Panthers could sign Jimmy Garoppolo
If the Carolina Panthers signed a quarterback to be a development project, they might need a veteran to start for the entire 2023 season. This provides any new college recruit with enough time to learn at his own pace before he’s ready to assume command under center.
Should this scenario come to fruition, then Jimmy Garoppolo immediately goes onto the shortlist. The veteran and the San Francisco 49ers are going their separate ways in free agency, which would be an expensive option for the Panthers compared to others.
Garoppolo wins wherever he goes. The former Eastern Illinois standout is limited in terms of winning games by himself, but he won’t lose too many within a structured system, either.
According to Spotrac, Garoppolo is set to command an annual salary of $34.9 million on a four-year, $139.73 million deal. Anything like these demands would probably indicate the Panthers will look the other way.
In terms of scheme fit, this is a good spot for Garoppolo. Carolina has a good offensive line and skill position players that can get open quickly, with the running game something else working in the signal-caller’s favor if he ended up on the Panthers.
Carolina Panthers could sign Derek Carr
The reaction was mixed on Tuesday morning when Ian Rapoport of the NFL Network reported that the Carolina Panthers were planning on speaking with Derek Carr at the NFL Scouting Combine. But if those in power are intent on finding a veteran, it won’t hurt having a discussion with the four-time Pro Bowler if nothing else.
Carr’s relationship with the Las Vegas Raiders ended on a sour note in 2022. But there are numerous teams showing legitimate interest in the one-time Fresno State stud based on early reports.
Both the New York Jets and New Orleans Saints hosted Carr on a visit and plan to speak with him again in Indianapolis. How legitimate the Panthers’ interest is hasn’t been determined as yet, so those in power are right to do their due diligence on all potential targets before coming to a formal conclusion.
There’s no denying Carr has talent. However, the limitations are evident and after so much failure in terms of trades and free-agent signings at football’s most pivotal position, this could be a gamble too far for the Panthers as they look to hit the ground running under Frank Reich.
Carr is also expected to command a significant amount on his new deal wherever he ends up. These demands are something Carolina should think long and hard about considering needs elsewhere and the potential extensions upcoming for players like Brian Burns.