The Carolina Panthers have been stuck in quarterback purgatory for three seasons now. If they don’t want to make it a fourth, they may have to get really, really inventive.
According to MMQB senior NFL reporter Albert Breer, the team could be hitting the open waters for a few big fish this offseason. Breer notes, in his mailbag column from Wednesday, that the Panthers may try to sell out for either one of two premier passers.
“As to Carolina’s specific situation, my guess is they’ll look hard at the idea of acquiring a veteran before then,” he wrote. “Remember, last year they offered the eighth pick, a fifth-rounder and Teddy Bridgewater to the Lions for Matthew Stafford; made runs at Watson before and after his legal situation surfaced; and wound up trading for Sam Darnold. I’d think Watson will be in play, and maybe Russell Wilson will be, too.”
We, of course, are well aware of the Panthers’ lingering interest in Watson. What’s also lingering, however, are his legal issues stemming from 22 allegations of sexual misconduct—making any potential deal a muddy prospect.
That could, in part, lead to another path for the Panthers through the west coast with Wilson. Wilson, whose name will assuredly be thrown back into trade rumors in due time, has had a relatively down year by his standards—one where the 33-year-old has thrown for 2,875 yards, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions over 13 games.
And if Carolina can’t catch one of them, then they might be reeling in a big ol’ stinky boot.
“Failing that?” Breer continued. “Then, it’d either be another reclamation like Darnold was last year (Jimmy Garoppolo? Baker Mayfield?) or a rookie. Overall, they’re in a little bit of a tough spot.”
A tough spot indeed, Al.
Well, at least for the Panthers’ sake, let’s hope that general manager Scott Fitterer still has himself a few buddies over there in Seattle.
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