Carolina Panthers desperately need QB Derek Carr

The Carolina Panthers are in a weak division but have the most realistic path back to the playoffs if they can trade for Derek Carr.  When the Panthers began the 2022 season 1-4, they fired Matt Rhule.  Steve Wilks was then named the interim head coach and went 6-6 the rest of the way, putting the Panthers into playoff contention for a bit.

They began to run the ball much better and their defense, which is filled with studs like Derrick Brown, Jeremy Chinn, and others, played much better.  In fact, the Panthers seem to have an opening in a weak NFC South for next year if they could simply get a competent quarterback in the building.

Baker Mayfield, PJ Walker, and Sam Darnold were all clearly not the answers.  However, Carolina does have an adequate offensive line and decent weapons led by DJ Moore.  They currently pick ninth overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, so they aren’t in a great position to land one of the top quarterbacks, but if they really wanted to, they could trade up.

Instead of that, though, I think what might be a better option for them is to pursue Derek Carr.

Derek Carr was essentially kicked off the team a few weeks ago when head coach Josh McDaniels sent him to the bench.  Carr then proceeded to leave the team to not be a distraction.  He also recently said his goodbyes to Raider Nation, so the writing is clearly on the wall that a split will be happening.

With the NFC South being as weak as it is, Derek Carr would instantly become the best quarterback in that division, and on this solid Panthers’ roster, would have a division title all but sealed away.

This could buy the Panthers time for several years to try and find a higher-ceiling and more long-term option at the position.  Carr isn’t a flashy quarterback, but he’s got several seasons throwing for over 4,000 yards and a couple with a 100 + passer rating.

Let’s not overthink this: the Panthers need some QB stability and Derek Carr can provide that for a few seasons.