ESPN predicts Carolina Panthers will make blockbuster trade

The Carolina Panthers were in the mix for quarterback Deshaun Watson last week, but they weren't willing to guarantee the final two years of the contract. Watson eventually signed with the Cleveland Browns. The Panthers, however, still need a quarterback. Carolina traded for Sam Darnold last offseason, but that move didn't work out very well […]

Zach Ragan — Tennessee Volunteers News Writer
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The Carolina Panthers were in the mix for quarterback Deshaun Watson last week, but they weren't willing to guarantee the final two years of the contract.

Watson eventually signed with the Cleveland Browns.

The Panthers, however, still need a quarterback. Carolina traded for Sam Darnold last offseason, but that move didn't work out very well for the Panthers — Darnold was a disaster in 2021.

If Carolina moves forward with Darnold in 2022 as their starter, it will almost certainly spell the end of Matt Rhule's time as the Panthers' head coach.

ESPN's Dan Graziano is predicting that Carolina will address their quarterback situation in the not-so-distant future by making a blockbuster trade for San Fransisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo.

From ESPN:

I think Carolina is Jimmy Garoppolo's landing spot. No team came into the offseason more motivated to do something at quarterback than the Panthers, and so far they have been shut out. Darnold is still there and can start for them if Garoppolo's shoulder surgery delays his availability for the start of the regular season. I think Carolina can and will offer the Niners a worthwhile package in a trade.

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Jan 30, 2022; Inglewood, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) drops back to pass against the Los Angeles Rams in the second half during the NFC Championship Game at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports Panthers Cincinnati

I'm not sure this would be a wise move for the Panthers.

Carolina already dealt with Cam Newton not being his normal self after a shoulder surgery. Do they really want to give up draft capital for a 30 year old quarterback that has never even made a Pro-Bowl?

There's a reason the 49ers are willing to move on frrom Garoppolo — it's because he's not an elite quarterback. Otherwise they'd be doing everything they could to keep him (teams don't let elite quarterbacks leave).

The Panthers would be smarter to take a flier on a quarterback in the draft — maybe take Liberty's Malik Willis early with the No. 6 pick. There's simply no need to make this trade. It's way too big of a risk.

Featured image via Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

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