The Carolina Panthers have been extremely busy around the quarterback position this offseason. They started things off with a bang, trading with the New York Jets to acquire Sam Darnold. Most recently they traded last year's starter, Teddy Bridgewater, to the Denver Broncos for a late round draft pick. Even after these two moves it appears the Panthers may not be done swinging at the quarterback position as NFL Draft day is upon us.
And so the Panthers now have picked up the 5th-year option on DJ Moore, but have not done so yet on Sam Darnold….leaving open the possibility of drafting a QB tonight. https://t.co/cDNGdv5QfR
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) April 29, 2021
The contract situation with Darnold shines a light on what the Panthers may be thinking, as Adam Schefter of ESPN notes. If they pick up the 5th-year option, it still doesn't tie them together with Darnold for the long haul but, it would assure Darnold of some more security as his rookie contract starts to wind down. If they opt not to scoop it up, 2021 becomes an ever so critical year for Darnold as he could be auditioning for other teams in the NFL.
The Panthers find themselves right in the middle of the quarterback mess, if you will, for this 2021 NFL Draft. The first three picks are expected to be quarterbacks that will be taken by the Jaguars, Jets and 49ers, respectively. Depending on who San Francisco takes, it's very possible the Panthers could have a choice between one of Justin Fields, Trey Lance or Mac Jones at No. 8 if they so choose to go that route. Their phone could also be ringing off the hook if a quarterback slips down to the Panthers' No. 8 selection.
Carolina has already made plenty of noise this offseason surrounding the ever moving quarterback carousel in the NFL. They may not be done yet.
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