05 March 2023 , 21:14
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The Carolina Panthers are expected to aggressively pursue a trade in order to select one of the top quarterbacks on offer at the 2023 NFL Draft.
Carolina currently holds the ninth overall pick in the draft, which is a solid position but the franchise are behind a number of teams who also desire a quarterback. The Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, Las Vegas Raiders and Atlanta Falcons could all feasibly be in play for a signal-caller in Kansas City next month.
The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine took place in Indianapolis this week and impressive performances from the likes of Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson surely piqued interest from a number of franchises. The Panthers are one such team looking to draft and develop a quarterback - and they are willing to trade up to do so.
It appears Carolina owner David Tepper, general manager Scott Fitterer and new head coach Frank Reich are willing to move pieces to get one of the leading prospects on offer, and many suggest there’s a ‘big four’ along with Alabama’s Bryce Young. If the Panthers want one of them to lead the team for the foreseeable future, they will need to move above other quarterback-needy teams.
Reports out of Indianapolis indicate the Panthers are going to be aggressive in the draft after the leading quarterbacks excelled at the Combine. Only Young - who chose to sit out out of Saturday’s workouts - each player impressed and likely flew up draft boards as they starred at the Lucas Oil Stadium.
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There is another option for the Panthers if the capital becomes too much to grab a quarterback in the draft. Carolina could still move for free agent and four-time Pro Bowler Derek Carr, and they are are reportedly set to hold a call with Carr on Monday.
Anthony Richardson was the biggest winner from the NFL Scouting Combine, with his performance ensuring he will be picked early in the first round (Getty Images)It will be the second time Reich has spoken with the quarterback after the two held a ‘very good’ meeting earlier this week. Trade rumours are also gathering pace surrounding four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers after Carolina reportedly inquired about the veteran quarterback.
The Panthers has acquired high-profile quarterbacks via trades in each of the past two offseasons, bringing in Sam Darnold in 2021 and Baker Mayfield last year. Both of those two players started games in Carolina last year but struggled as the franchise finished 7-10.
It remains to be seen how genuine the interest in Rodgers from the Packers is, and it could just be due diligence should he request a trade. The 39-year-old has been in Green Bay for the last 18 seasons and led the franchise to glory in Super Bowl XLV.