Panthers Are Focused on Drafting a Rookie QB, Not Trading for Lamar Jackson

Somehow, the Carolina Panthers are still being "linked" to Lamar Jackson. Certain media outlets and sportsbooks are tabbing the Panthers as a "best fit" or "potential landing spot" for the disgruntled Baltimore Ravens quarterback despite Carolina owning the No. 1 overall pick.

Could the Panthers trade for Lamar Jackson? Yes. Is it likely? No. Will it happen? No.

Scott Fitterer isn't fond of paying a quarterback upwards of $140 million in guaranteed money, which is what Jackson is rumored to want. That's one of the main reasons Carolina backed itself out of the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes last offseason.

And just last week, Fitterer had the following to say about Lamar: "He's a great option. A really expensive option. But we're focused on more of the draft picks at this point."

Fitterer's goal all along was to build the foundation of the roster, add key pieces around it, and then drop in a rookie quarterback who will be able to win games right away. If you look at what Carolina has done over the past two seasons and then so far this offseason, every move has led to putting this No. 1 pick in the best situation possible. From establishing a nucleus of young defensive talent to piecing together a top 10-caliber offensive line to hiring an offensive-minded coach with several experienced assistants to signing Andy Dalton to serve as a mentor.

Building a roster this way is how teams create a window of winning because they're not having to throw $40M-$50M at their quarterback, limiting the amount of money they can spend on the other 52 spots. Having a QB on a rookie contract allows the GM to be more flexible with roster construction and become more aggressive due to having more cap space.

So, no, Lamar Jackson isn't coming to Carolina. The man under center for the Panthers in 2023 will be C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, or Will Levis.

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