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The Carolina Panthers are entering into what is possibly their umpteenth rebuild in the past few seasons. These rebuilds have yielded mixed results, but one thing's for sure, the team is very far away from contention.
If you ask ten knowledgeable football fans what the Carolina Panthers lack, nine will tell you they need a top-notch quarterback, and then they're set for the long haul. The 2022 NFL regular season is almost over, and it's high time the Carolina front office gets the job done. There are many quarterback options to choose from as we approach the 2023 NFL season, but here are three that the Carolina Panthers should avoid at all costs.
The Three Quarterbacks that the Carolina Panthers must avoid
1. Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders
If you look at Derek Carr's NFL record without context, you would think he is a pretty solid NFL quarterback with solid numbers. He has numerous seasons where he threw over 4,000 yards. Carr also has Pro Bowl selections and even snagged a couple of MVP votes over the years.
However, if you watch Carr play, you will understand why he made this list. Derek Carr is a decent option at quarterback, of course, but unfortunately, the Fresno State University alum does not have that dawg in him. Carr is blessed with an array of offensive weapons in Las Vegas, but he couldn't even lead them to a postseason berth.
Just look at the Raiders' offensive weapons. There's Devante Adams, Darren Waller, and Josh Jacobs. If compare that core to the Panthers' offense, then you will understand why getting Carr might be a bad idea. The Carolina Panthers should pursue other options and let Carr move to a more desperate franchise like the New York Jets or Indianapolis Colts. Speaking of the Jets...
2. Zach Wilson, New York Jets
Zach Wilson was drafted second overall in a quarterback-heavy draft that included shot callers like Trevor Lawrence, Mac Jones, Trey Lance, and Justin Fields. Let's look at how the other marquee QBs selected in Wilson's class have done.
Trevor Lawrence is on the verge of leading the Jacksonville Jaguars on an improbable run to the playoffs in his second season in the league. Thus completing the Jaguars' rebuild in record time.
Mac Jones was a close runner-up in the Offensive Rookie of the Year award last season, and he looks like the Patriots' franchise QB for many years to come. He might be having a minor slump in his sophomore season, but that's merely a testament to how incredible his debut season was in the first place.
Trey Lance is the future San Francisco 49ers' QB, and the second-year Pro has all the offensive weapons he needs to succeed in San Francisco. Unfortunately, he got injured in the first week of the 2022 regular season, so we might have to wait a bit to see him burst out of the crowd.
Justin Fields has quieted all his doubters in Chicago, and he is currently the best-rushing quarterback in the league, not named Lamar Jackson. Fields is a tank of a man, and he is getting better and better at throwing the ball.
Those are the QBs in Zach Wilson's draft class; three of them were taken after him in the draft. Wilson isn't just cut out to start for a serious NFL franchise at the moment, and the Carolina Panthers should steer clear of him in the off-season.
3. Any Quarterback in the 2023 Draft Class not named Bryce Young or C.J. Stroud
The 2023 NFL Draft Class is filled with top-notch quarterbacks that several scouts have labeled generational. However, only two QBs should be heralded by that tag: Bryce Young and C. J. Stroud. The rest of the QBs in the draft class are serviceable and could become solid prospects with patience. However, the Panthers don't have any more time to make shots in the dark, hoping that they make the basket.
The prospects mentioned above are too good to be available when the Carolina Panthers have their first pick in the 2023 NFL Draft. They might have to trade up to get them. However, if they could trade up when it might be worth it. If they can't, they should try their best to acquire a current NFL QB that fits their team identity.
