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The Carolina Panthers were extremely close to altering the course of NFL history. Super Bowl 56 may not have been between the Los Angeles Rams and Cincinnati Bengals if Carolina landed their preferred 2021 offseason target.
The Panthers and Rams were in a race to acquire Matthew Stafford from the Detroit Lions. Although LA won, the race was very close. The Charlotte Observer's Jonathan M. Alexander detailed how close the Panthers were to securing Stafford before the Rams jumped in with a Godfather offer.
Article Continues BelowThe offer on the table was the Panthers’ eighth pick in the 2021 NFL draft and Bridgewater for Stafford. The Lions were intrigued.
The only thing left was for the teams to trade medical information. Stafford had dealt with back injuries the previous season and the Panthers wanted to review his medical history.
When the coaching staff and front office members hopped on their private charter from the Senior Bowl that Saturday, they felt great about their chances to finally get their franchise quarterback.
However, after landing a few hours later, they found out that that was not the case.
The Rams, who were also in on Stafford, offered Detroit young quarterback Jared Goff, two first-round picks, a third-round pick. The Lions chose that offer, forcing the Panthers to pivot. They landed Sam Darnold from the New York Jets and used their eighth overall pick on cornerback Jaycee Horn.
While Los Angles reached the Super Bowl, Carolina still has to address their quarterback spot. Darnold was ineffective and suffered a serious shoulder injury. The Panthers bringing Cam Newton back didn't work, either. Head coach Matt Rhule made it seem like Darold will not be there for the long run after the season ended.
