NFL Draft Rumors: Panthers' QB pursuit could cost them big

The Carolina Panthers are in the quarterback market this off-season as they look to find their next franchise quarterback since Cam Newton.

While there are some decent veterans set to hit free agency, the Panthers will likely address this need in the draft.

According to ESPN, the Panthers are "aggressively" expected to trade up in the draft in order to select one of their top quarterback prospects.

After finishing the 2022-2023 season 7-10, the Panthers will pick ninth overall in the draft. That doesn't put them in a good position to draft one of their desired quarterbacks.

There are about five teams ahead of them that will likely select quarterbacks. The Houston Texans at number two overall are almost a lock to select one. The Colts at four have also openly expressed taking a quarterback early on and possibly trading up.

If Seattle doesn't reach a long-term deal with Geno Smith, then they could take a QB at five. The two teams right in front of Carolina, the Atlanta Falcons and Las Vegas Raiders are also looking to add a quarterback and could select a top prospect in the draft.

Who are some possible candidates to be the next Carolina Panthers quarterback?

Florida v Florida State

There are many possible options for the Panthers in finding their franchise quarterback.

It seems as if the most likely option for them is in the draft as they hold a higher pick and will maybe even trade up.

If the Panthers trade to pick number one with the Chicago Bears, they may have to give up a fortune that includes a few first-round picks, and possibly a player or two. At that point, the Panthers would be able to select one of the top guys in Bryce Young and C.J. Stroud.

If they trade up in front of the Falcons and Raiders, they may be able to get a guy like Anthony Richardson or Will Levis.

As the draft gets closer, a trade will come soon between the Bears and the team that will trade up for the number one pick, and we'll see if that team is the Panthers.