Panthers Still Seeking A Big Deal For a Quarterback

An NFL franchise can't win consistently without a quarterback, and the Carolina Panthers understand that notion. They don't see their current starter Teddy Bridgewater as the quarterback of their future, and they're willing to make moves in order to secure a new one.

The team made several attempts this offseason. They attempted to trade for Matthew Stafford, to move up to the No. 3 pick in the draft and to pursue Deshaun Watson, none of which worked out. So the process to find a suitable signal caller for the 2021 season continues.

For the last half decade, the NFC South has been run by the New Orleans Saints. With Drew Brees retiring, the Panthers have the chance to finish higher in the division. Granted, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers with Tom Brady have replaced New Orleans in the immediate, but long term, who knows.

That's why Carolina is desperately trying to position itself for new standing in the division.

Dan Patrick said on his radio show last week that the Panthers weren't done trying to upgrade the quarterback spot. They want to move into the top 5 for this year's draft, but that doesn't seem feasible at this time -- except maybe with Cincinnati at No. 5.

Now that San Francisco has moved up to No. 3, it looks like the top 3 spots are locked in. And who owns that No. 4 slot? The Falcons, a division rival who has no interest in giving the Panthers a crack at a decade-long quarterback.

Plus, Atlanta might want one of those for itself. We'll see.

That isn't the only option on the table for the Panthers though. Patrick also mentioned that a Sam Darnold trade could be on the table. At this point, that would probably be their best bet -- as long as the compensation was fair.

Either way, you have to respect the franchise for making the attempt.

Follow Clint Lamb on Twitter @ClintRLamb.