Panthers considered ‘sleepers’ for Aaron Rodgers, Lamar Jackson

After whiffing on three reclamation projects in as many years with Teddy Bridgewater, Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield—perhaps the Carolina Panthers should just cut to the chase in their, well, chase for a quarterback. And if they do, it may not be the type of bold move many are thinking they’d make.

This past week, Around The NFL editor Gregg Rosenthal dished out one big transaction he believes each team (outside of the Super Bowl LVII competitors) should jump on. For the Panthers, it comes as no surprise that he thinks they must address the quarterback position—which may have a few unlikely targets in a pair of former Most Valuable Players.

Rosenthal writes:

After his experience in Indianapolis, Frank Reich wants to avoid jumping right back on the quarterback merry-go-round in Carolina. The team could draft one at No. 9 overall or possibly move up the board, but in the meantime, the Panthers need a veteran. Do they go bridge quarterback with someone like Reich’s old friend Jacoby Brissett or get more aggressive trying to trade for Derek Carr? Carolina’s a sleeper to get in the mix for Aaron Rodgers or Lamar Jackson, if available.

After a number of poor short-term solutions, something tells me ownership will be pushing for a big swing. This could all feel uncomfortably familiar for Reich.

Owner David Tepper, seemingly fed up following three failed seasons under Matt Rhule, has already taken a few big swings in 2023. Not only was the hiring of Reich a strong decision, but Carolina also paid up to make the popular Ejiro Evero—a head-coaching candidate for some—their new defensive coordinator.

He also wasn’t shy, for the most part, in trying to trade for Deshaun Watson last offseason. So if Rodgers and/or Jackson hit the market, will Tepper and general manager Scott Fitterer stiff-arm the rookie route and go right for a proven passer?

With the 39-year-old Rodgers contemplating retirement and impending free agent Jackson jousting for a new deal, time will eventually tell how available these two are.