While mostteams already have an idea of who will be under center when the 2022 NFL season gets underway, there are still a few teams that could be open to new options. For instance, the Carolina Panthers.
With Matt Corral likely to sit in his rookie year, Sam Darnold is the favorite to lead the offense right now. However, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported a couple of weeks agothat we shouldn’t write them off as a potential destinationfor two of the bestquarterbacks still on the market.
Neither Baker Mayfield nor Jimmy Garoppolo are expected to continue with their respective teams, as the Cleveland Browns traded for Deshaun Watson and the San Francisco 49ers want to promote Trey Lance. Carolina, however, would prefer Mayfield over Jimmy G.
Report: Baker Mayfield more likely option for Panthers than Jimmy Garoppolo
According to Panthers insiderJonathan M. Alexander, who also reported that the team tried to trade for Mayfield during the draft, Carolina has doubts around Garoppolo because of his surgery on his throwing arm and the money he would carry with him.
(Via The Charlotte Observer)
“Finding a veteran rental who is an upgrade would allow Corral to sit and develop.Mayfield seems like the best, and most likely option over San Francisco’s Jimmy Garoppolo even if Panthers receiver Robbie Anderson isn’t thrilled with the idea of Mayfield coming to Charlotte.
“But Garoppolo’s recent shoulder surgery, as well as his injury history, is a far greater concern for some within the organization. The Panthers want no part of his $26.9 million salary, and the 49ers haven’t shown a willingness to take to carry those payments in a trade.”
The Panthers could certainly use an experienced quarterback until Corral is ready the reins. Darnold is getting first-team action in the offseason voluntary program, but his days as QB1 seem to be numbered.