Panthers need bridge QB to guide top pick: Who would be a good fit in free agency?
Panthers head coach Frank Reich knows a thing or two about veteran bridge quarterbacks. In fact, that was Reich’s role with Carolina when he became the first starting quarterback in franchise history in 1995.
So, Reich understands the importance the job has for a young quarterback having done it with Kerry Collins all those years ago. Now, he must find a veteran quarterback to compete with and guide a rookie passer early on in his career.
On Friday, the Panthers made a massive move, trading a blockbuster haul — which included two first-round picks and wide receiver DJ Moore — to the Chicago Bears for the first overall pick. The Panthers will take a rookie quarterback with that selection, and that prospect will then be molded into the team’s long-term answer at the position.
But before that rookie can hit the field, the Panthers need to make sure he is ready mentally and physically to compete. That’s why a bridge starting quarterback is necessary.
And it’s not just a matter of finding a talented veteran like Jimmy Garoppolo and asking him to keep the seat warm. There’s a certain dynamic that the Panthers will be looking for in the guy who helps shepherd the future of their franchise. While the team has last year’s third-round pick Matt Corral under contract, the new regime is likely to look for someone with experience to set the example for the rookie.
Ultimately, that bridge starter needs to feel comfortable knowing that he could quickly become a backup. Reich’s time at the top of the Panthers’ depth chart lasted just three weeks before he was yanked for a fresh-faced Collins.
Carolina’s next bridge QB needs to know that his title is fluid from signing to starting to sitting.
“First of all, you got to be able to play and win — that’s first and foremost,” Reich said about the veteran backup job at the NFL Scouting Combine. “A lot of guys will talk, if the starter’s out for three (games), can the backup win two out of the three? Is it a winning backup — can he play winning football? That’s what they’re here to do.
“And then secondarily, he needs to be the right guy to help a guy — not help coach a guy, there are coaches — but just the right chemistry in the room. There’s got to be the right chemistry. And the good thing is there’s a lot of guys out there like that.”
As Reich alluded to, the Panthers will have plenty of options to consider in free agency. While it’s probably safe to rule out a high-priced option like Garoppolo, there are others who fit the bill.
Sam Darnold
Age: 25
Experience: Five seasons
Production: 21-34 record as starter — 11,767 passing yards, 61 touchdowns and 55 interceptions
Darnold has spent the past two seasons in Carolina. While he has flashed potential at times, his performances for the Panthers have left a lot to be desired overall. However, he has worked with new quarterbacks coach Josh McCown as a teammate before. Ironically, McCown was Darnold’s bridge quarterback with the New York Jets. Darnold seemingly has the temperament and work ethic to handle the veteran backup post, but it’s a matter of whether or not the new regime can buy into him.
Jacoby Brissett
Age: 30
Experience: Seven seasons
Production: 18-30 record as starter — 10,350 passing yards, 48 touchdowns and 23 interceptions
Brissett is a former Reich pupil who spent three seasons working under him in Indianapolis. Like Darnold, Brissett knows what it’s like to compete for a starting job. He also knows what it’s like to be a backup quarterback. In many ways, Brissett has been seen as a top-level backup around the league during the past two offseasons. If the Panthers believe Brissett can push the rookie quarterback, while also making him better, then this could be a logical move.
Carson Wentz
Age: 30
Experience: Seven seasons
Production: 46-45-1 record as starter — 22,129 passing yards, 151 touchdowns and 66 interceptions
Wentz has worked with Reich in two NFL cities. While Reich essentially bet on Wentz twice, their latest pairing ended in utter disaster in Indianapolis in 2021. There’s also a line of thought around the league that Wentz wouldn’t take too kindly to a long-term backup post. However, Wentz knows Reich’s offense and can win a few games. Also, it’s possible the past two years have changed the way Wentz looks at the game.
Andy Dalton
Age: 35
Experience: 12 seasons
Production: 83-77-2 record as starter — 38,150 passing yards, 244 touchdowns and 144 interceptions
Following a strong career as a starter in Cincinnati, Dalton has been a nomad spot-starter for the past three years. From Dallas to Chicago to New Orleans, Dalton has started as a backup before inevitably making his way into the starting lineup. Dalton understands his place in the league, but is still highly competitive and capable. He could be an excellent option for a rookie quarterback to learn from.
Mike White
Age: 27
Experience: Five seasons
Production: 2-5 record as a starter — 2,145 passing yards, eight touchdowns and 12 interceptions
White has bounced in and out of the lineup with the Jets during the past two years. While he’s shown flashes of talent, he’s never been able to hold down the starting job with Zach Wilson around. Carolina could present the opportunity for White to get more tape as a starter on a one-year deal. He has enough experience in the NFL that he could be a good influence on a rookie quarterback.
Taylor Heinicke
Age: 29
Exp.: Five seasons
Production: 12-12-1 record as a starter — 5,745 passing yards, 34 touchdowns and 24 interceptions
As with White, Heinicke probably needs a change of scenery to get some more tape as a starter before he can land a long-term gig in the NFL. Heinicke is a competitive, smart quarterback with limited upside. However, he could help the Panthers get off to a smooth start while mentoring a rookie behind him. Heinicke had a brief stint with the Panthers during the Cam Newton era, and he has since evolved into a solid backup quarterback with a starter-quality play.
Drew Lock
Age: 26
Experience: Four seasons
Production: 8-13 record as a starter — 4,740 passing yards, 25 touchdowns and 20 interceptions
Lock is kind of in the same bubble as White and Heinicke. While he has started games in the league, his sample size hasn’t been particularly compelling. Lock would get the chance to a compete with a rookie for a starting job under some of the best QB minds in the business. That opportunity could entice the young quarterback, who clearly wants to be more than a backup.
Gardner Minshew
Age: 26
Experience: Four seasons
Production: 8-16 record as a starter — 6,632 passing yards, 44 touchdowns and 15 interceptions
Minshew spent the past two seasons working behind Jalen Hurts. While he has never been content with being a backup, Minshew has fulfilled that role well during his time with the Eagles. Minshew has low-end starter ability and he can captivate a locker room. Adding Minshew would give the Panthers some cover if their first overall pick took time to get in the game. Minshew has a connection to Reich through Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni.
Cooper Rush
Age: 29
Experience: Five seasons
Production: 5-1 record as a starter — 1,475 passing yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions
Rush has done a nice job when called upon in Dallas. While he will never be a starter for the Cowboys, he does have an opportunity to latch onto a bridge role in Carolina. Rush knows what it takes to be a backup quarterback in the NFL, and the opportunity to start a few games early on in the season has to appeal to him. Rush could look at the Panthers has a springboard for bigger roles elsewhere.
PJ Walker
Age: 28
Experience: Three seasons
Production: 4-3 record as a starter — 1,461 passing yards, five touchdowns and 11 interceptions
Walker is set to become a restricted free agent this week. The Panthers can keep him by simply offering him a low tender. Walker has worked with Reich in the past in Indianapolis, and he knows what the head coach looks for in a backup. Walker would be a cost-controlled veteran presence in the locker room. As he is someone with a background with the organization, he could usher in a seamless transition for the rookie quarterback.
