3 things Scott Fitterer must do to earn trust of Carolina Panthers fans
By Jordan Davis
Carolina Panthers must draft a QB
The story of the Carolina Panthers quarterback position is a tragedy that would make Romeo and Juliet look like a rom-com.
Long story short, Carolina has struggled to replace Cam Newton. Under Scott Fitterer, the Panthers have given up draft capital in an attempt to rehabilitate the careers of Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield. These projects have largely failed and left the franchise with no long-term answer.
The Panthers’ current depth chart consists of Matt Corral, who fractured his foot in last year’s preseason. They also signed Jacob Eason to a futures contract.
Needless to say, Carolina will be looking to add more upside and stability to this room.
Of course, the Panthers could attempt to go the veteran quarterback route. They have been linked to Derek Carr. In addition, Panthers players have made some playful efforts to recruit former NFL MVP Lamar Jackson to Carolina.
While Carr might offer some stability. Jackson provides excitement and undeniable upside, but they both would be costly options with risk of failure.
This feels like the Panthers’ front office is repeating the mistakes they made in going after Darnold and Mayfield. Even though Carr and Jackson are much better than the aforementioned duo.
Most of all, adding one of these options would likely keep the Panthers from taking a quarterback in the 2023 NFL Draft. Fitterer has been rather clear that he wants to draft and develop a signal-caller. But sitting at No. 9 overall, Carolina could risk future assets to get their guy.
In this, it may feel like the Panthers are repeating their mistake of overspending. However, if they finally get the right guy long-term, so what?
There is no perfect quarterback prospect in the 2023 draft class. Yet, each of the top talents brings something to work with.
Bryce Young is undersized but has elite play-making skills. C.J. Stroud could be more dynamic at times but has elite accuracy. Anthony Richardson lacks experience which shows up in his inconsistent throwing touch, but his athletic upside is undeniable. Will Levis needs to sharpen his decision-making but has a rocket launcher arm and moxie for days.
The Panthers have assembled a coaching staff primed and ready to get the best out of their quarterback. Fitterer needs to get them one.