With a little over a month left of off-season before all NFL players are due back at their franchise’s facilities, front offices around the league are beginning to evaluate their rosters heading into training camp. While every position on a team’s roster is important for a front office, perhaps none is more valuable than the quarterback spot. Whether it’s their starting signal-caller or a developmental player holding the clipboard, it’s important to know your quarterback room in and out. Today, we will be taking a look at each of the Carolina Panthers quarterbacks currently on the roster. So, without further ado, let’s get into the action!
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2021 Carolina Panthers Position Group Review: Quarterbacks
Sam Darnold
To kick off this position’s analysis, we have the Panthers’ presumed starter: Sam Darnold. After making the trade for former Jets’ quarterback and dumping Teddy Bridgewater to the Denver Broncos, it’s to be expected the former third-overall selection will assume the starting role for the franchise. After a disappointing first few seasons in the NFL, it became clear that New York was no longer the place for Darnold. While he struggled under the horrendous coaching of Adam Gase, his poor individual play on the field didn’t help his case either.
The good news? Darnold will have more weapons than ever surrounding him in Carolina. With top quality receivers like D.J. Moore and Robby Anderson becoming his main targets, Darnold’s play should drastically improve during his first season with the Panthers. Expect Darnold to take huge steps and surprise many during training camp, as the former USC-star has all the tools to succeed at his disposal.
Sam Darnold & Robby Anderson are back together again.
And they play their old team in Week 1. 👀 (by @NewEraCap)@Panthers | @chosen1ra
📺: #NFLScheduleRelease live on @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/bWL6cighQR
— NFL (@NFL) May 13, 2021
P.J. Walker
The second player on our list is one with quite an interesting football story. After shinning in the XFL and proving to NFL personnel he had what it takes to play at the next level, the Carolina Panthers decided to give the young signal-caller a shot. During a short stretch for the Panthers last season, P.J. Walker stepped in and showed fans his dual-threat ability, which triggered new rumors. For a time, many believed Walker would replace the struggling Bridgewater as the starter, but that wasn’t so.
In 2021, it’s to be expected Walker won’t see much of the field. Barring an injury to Sam Darnold, it’s assumed Walker will be given the role of backup quarterback on the roster. Ultimately, his inability to work outside the hashes limits what an offense can do with Walker. However, he offers a solid option as backup quarterback for the Panthers, should worse come to worst.
XFL SUPERSTAR PJ WALKER WITH THE 🎯
pic.twitter.com/4LVEuytMmL— PFF (@PFF) November 22, 2020
Will Grier
Whether you like it or not, Will Grier remains on the Panthers’ roster. Despite not being drafted by Matt Rhule, Grier has managed to find himself a spot at the bottom of the Panther’s quarterback roster. However, his time may be running out. The former third-round pick needs to show immense improvement during this year’s training camp. If he can, expect him to compete with Walker for the lead backup quarterback role.
While early in his career still, many have chosen to write off Grier. During limited play-time in 2019, Grier didn’t necessarily shine. In nearly two games played, Grier completed just 27/44 passes with zero touchdowns, adding on a cringe-worthy four interceptions. However, it’s still early in Grier’s career, and there’s simply not enough game film out there to evaluate him as an NFL quarterback. Grier will likely be battling with Walker for the lead backup role for the Panthers week-in and week-out.
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