Ranking the Top Veteran QB Options for Carolina After Carr Signs with Saints

Who is best fit to serve as the "bridge" in Carolina?

On Monday, the New Orleans Saints agreed to a deal with veteran free agent quarterback, Derek Carr. Last week in Indianapolis, Carr met with the Carolina Panthers and New York Jets in addition to the Saints.

Panthers GM Scott Fitterer said it was more of a "feeling out process" for both sides to express what they were looking for and to see if it was a good fit. 

Now that Carr is off the board, who should Carolina turn to at quarterback as far as veteran options are concerned?

1. Lamar Jackson

This is a bit of a pipe dream, but hey, who knows? Baltimore doesn't appear close to agreeing on a long-term deal which means a franchise tag is on the way. The question is whether it will be an exclusive or non-exclusive tag. If it is non-exclusive, Jackson can negotiate and agree to terms with another team, giving Baltimore a chance to match the offer and keep him. Letting him walk in that scenario would net the Ravens two first round picks. 

2. Jimmy Garoppolo

The first realistic option is a good one. Jimmy Garoppolo isn't going to do anything special but the man just knows how to win football games. With the defense and run game that Carolina has, Garoppolo won't be asked to do much. He did a phenomenal job in San Francisco and has served as a mentor to Trey Lance and Brock Purdy. He's a true professional and knows how to handle the role. Because of his injury history, I can't see him demanding a hefty price tag.

3. Sam Darnold

I know bringing back Darnold doesn't sound all that intriguing, but he did play fairly well in his six starts this past season, going 4-2 in those games and throwing for 1,143 yards, seven touchdowns, and three interceptions. He looked more relaxed and comfortable, much of which can be attributed to the stellar offensive line play. 

4. Jacoby Brissett

Brissett has some experience running an offense under Frank Reich before having been the starter for the Indianapolis Colts in 2019 when Andrew Luck unexpectedly retired. That season, Brissett tossed for 2,942 yards and 18 touchdowns to just six interceptions while completing 61% of his passes. He's not a bad option if Carolina drafts a QB that they believe will be ready at some point in 2023. If they draft Anthony Richardson, a guy who may have a "redshirt year" as a rookie, then you may go with one of the previous two guys.

5. Marcus Mariota

What? Marcus Mariota? Yes. Marcus Mariota. Why? He's a veteran mobile quarterback that for the most part, knows how to take care of the football. Much like Jimmy Garoppolo, he doesn't put the ball in harms way and can excel (for a short period of time) with the talent that surrounds him in the backfield. Again, this is a bridge option, not someone you're committing to long-term.

6. Carson Wentz

Carson Wentz has already become a very unpopular option among the Panthers' fan base, but that doesn't mean Carolina won't consider him. He's going to come extremely cheap because of his injuries and his struggles on the field. Coincidently, his best football has come while playing for Frank Reich. Although he didn't have the best of years in his lone season in Indianapolis, Wentz did throw for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns, and seven picks.

7. P.J. Walker

It's very unlikely the Panthers view P.J. Walker as someone who can hold down the fort until the rookie is ready. But then again, he does have some familiarity with Reich having spent time on Indy's practice squad a few years back. The only way I see this happening is if they go all the way up to No. 1 and get their guy who they believe will be ready right out of the gate or very close to it. 

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