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The Carolina Panthers had a solid NFL Draft, bringing in a difference-maker on the offensive line in NC State's Ikem Ekwonu, then taking perhaps their quarterback of the future in Matt Corral. Armed with a hefty amount of cap space, Carolina can now turn their focus to the remaining free agents left- as well as on the trade market.
With Sam Darnold seemingly entrenched at the quarterback spot, there's a chance that the Panthers opt to trade for a veteran arm, such as Jimmy Garoppolo or Baker Mayfield. Both would represent upgrades over Darnold, who has struggled to find the form that once made him a top pick on the draft.
In addition, Carolina still has some needs on the other side of the ball, mainly on the defensive line. With some talented free agents available, such as pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney and defensive tackle Akiem Hicks, there are no shortage of options for the Panthers to choose from.
That said, here are two moves the Panthers must make after the NFL Draft to complete their roster.
Panthers Moves After 2022 NFL Draft
2. Sign Jadeveon Clowney
The Panthers lost free agent Hasson Reddick to the Philadelphia Eagles, with sixth rounder Amare Barno representing the only noteworthy addition to the pass rushing room. With Pro Bowler Brian Burns manning one defensive end spot, there are definitely question marks surrounding 2020 second round pick Yetur Gross-Matos.
The Panthers, who tallied a respectable 39 sacks as a team last year, are losing 11 of them with Reddick's departure. They can't afford to lose ground in this area, given their youthful secondary. Enter free agent Jadeveon Clowney, who is a three-time Pro Bowler with 41 sacks in eight seasons. Clowney earned a solid 66.5 overall grade from Pro Football Focus last season, tallying the most sacks in a season since 2018.
Still in his prime at 29 years old, Clowney would give Carolina solid rotation of pass rushers at the defensive end spot. His presence would be good for both Burns and Gross-Matos, who would benefit from the added attention he attracts from opposing offensive linemen.
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1. Trade for Baker Mayfield or Jimmy Garoppolo
The Panthers need to upgrade the quarterback spot. They spent their second pick in the draft on Corral, though they can't afford to enter the year with Darnold, who simply hasn't been an NFL-caliber starting quarterback in his career, as their starter.
With Baker Mayfield seemingly available via trade and Jimmy Garoppolo perhaps available for the right price, the Panthers need to pounce. Both Mayfield and Garoppolo have done things that no signal-caller on Carolina's roster has done- take an NFL team to the playoffs.
Not only that, but Garoppolo has made it to the Super Bowl once and the NFC Championship game twice. Both are clear upgrades over Darnold- and both would fit Carolina's offensive scheme if they decide to go more run-heavy in 2022.
It's time for the Panthers to trade for an upgrade at the quarterback spot.
