The Carolina Panthers may be mingling with Derek Carr at the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine. And they’ve even gotten to the point where owner David Tepper joined in on the fun.
But their talks with the four-time Pro Bowl passer may just really be more due diligence than anything.
According to ESPN’s David Newton, the Panthers—as far as signing a free-agent quarterback—are more focused on cheaper veteran options than they are on Carr. In fact, on an accompanying note from Newton, the team has already had preliminary discussions with Sam Darnold—who’s set to join Carr out on the open market.
While the Panthers are meeting with Derek Carr in Indianapolis, their focus is more on mid-level (salary-wise) veteran quarterbacks. They already have had preliminary discussions with representatives of Sam Darnold, per sources. Darnold makes sense if they plan to draft a QB.
— David Newton (@DNewtonespn) March 1, 2023
Darnold was able to salvage at least the tail end of his Carolina tenure, having passed for 1,143 yards, seven touchdowns and three interceptions while leading the team to four wins over six starts in 2022. The former third overall pick even helped orchestrate what was the NFL’s most efficient passing offense from Week 12, when he took over under center, to Week 17.
Newton’s report, additionally, jives with the Panthers’ outlook this offseason. Given their hope of drafting and developing their own quarterback as well as their tight cap situation, Carr—who will command some decent coin—would not be the most sensible choice at the moment.
