Three major trades that will shake up 2022 NFL Draft plans
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Three trades to shake up 2022 NFL Draft plans
3. Jimmy Garoppolo to the Carolina Panthers
Could we still have another quarterback domino yet to fall? Jimmy Garoppolo recently had surgery on his shoulder and won’t be able to throw until June, which is definitely impacting his status currently.
Jimmy G has battled injuries his entire career but has still been mildly effective when on the field.
He was 31-14 with the 49ers, where he threw 66 touchdowns on 38 interceptions. The passing stats aren’t that special, but it’s significantly better than anything the Panthers have had recently.
Carolina, at this point, could very well start Sam Darnold again in 2022. They’ve been doing their homework on QBs in the draft, and hold the 6th overall pick, which is a great spot to get a signal-caller.
However, this QB class is weaker than normal, so acquiring someone like Garoppolo would give the Panthers a competent solution for the short term.
I think also doing this trade would give the Panthers a bit of breathing room with their 6th overall selection. I don’t think they’d then have to reach for a quarterback and would be able to pick someone later on to perhaps develop behind Jimmy G.
The NFC is a weaker conference, and the NFC South is perhaps the weakest division in the NFL. A Jimmy Garoppolo-led Panthers team might be just enough to win them 9 or so games and clinch a Wild Card spot.
The Panthers do have a sneaky good roster, with talent on both sides of the ball, and an improved offensive line, signing both Bradley Bozeman and Austin Corbett to go with Taylor Moton and perhaps a left tackle with the 6th overall pick.
Unfortunately, the Panthers don’t have a ton of draft capital. They have the 6th overall pick but don’t pick again until the fourth round. Carolina might have to come up with some 2023 draft capital, perhaps a pick in 2022, and/or a player to swing this trade.
I don’t see how that wouldn’t be doable, though, especially for a competent quarterback.