Panthers: Why Carolina must consider taking a QB in the 2021 NFL Draft

In football, quarterback is the key figure for team success. Of course, that idea may be a bit of a cliché, but it shows itself to be true every season. Those with elite quarterback talent innately have a higher ceiling, and those without one can only go so far. With that, here is an introduction to the Carolina Panthers and their quarterback, Teddy Bridgewater.

The Panthers own the eighth selection in the 2021 NFL Draft, but their team has plenty of talent. Two of the Panthers’ wide receivers, Robby Anderson and D.J. Moore, eclipsed 1000 yards this past season, and they still have star running back Christian McCaffrey. Carolina’s defense is young and improved throughout the 2020 season. The Panthers have a seemingly high ceiling, but of course, the big question is always quarterback.

Looking at current Panthers QB situation

Bridgewater, whom the Panthers gave a three-year, $63 million deal,  did not perform to his or the Panthers’ expectations. His 15 touchdown to 11 interception ratio is less than stellar and it seems the Panthers are looking at other options.  There are legitimate questions regarding his future as the Carolina quarterback for these reasons.

However, some argue for keeping him due to his career high completion percentage, lack of true talent in the offensive line, and because Bridgewater has the base traits to succeed in current offensive coordinator Joe Brady’s offense. There’s some fairness to this argument, but ultimately, Carolina cannot continue with Teddy Bridgewater as their franchise quarterback. Here are the reasons why Carolina cannot pass on the opportunity of a top quarterback prospect if one is available to them.