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Which Quarterback Is Best for Panthers Head Coach Frank Reich To Build Around?

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The Carolina Panthers opted to hire former Philadelphia Eagles and Indianapolis Colts head coach Frank Reich to the same position on Thursday. Reich won out over interim head coach Steve Wilks, who guided the Panthers to the brink of the playoffs in 2022. It’s clear that the decision to go with Reich had to do with fixing the Panthers’ gaping hole at quarterback.

The 2023 NFL Draft class has a handful of intriguing quarterback options, but Reich shouldn’t just rely on a rookie to help the Panthers improve this season. Adding a veteran QB to keep this roster competitive while developing a rookie can help the team compete now and in the future.

We’re breaking down the best quarterbacks for Reich to add to the Panthers, including both rookies and veteran options. We’ve considered their available cap space and draft picks in our rankings. Let’s dive in.

Best Veteran QBs for the Carolina Panthers

1) Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens

It seems unlikely Lamar Jackson will be playing anywhere other than Baltimore next year, but it bears saying that if he’s made available, Carolina must call and make a bid for the 26-year-old.

Jackson is a bonafide star who would transform the Panthers’ organization for the foreseeable future. He’d cost a bevy of picks and needs a new contract but is worth the cost.

2) Jacoby Brissett, Cleveland Browns

Jacoby Brissett isn’t a sexy name, but I think he’ll have the right blend of cost and production in order to give the Panthers an offensive boost. He’s always been on the border of being a low-end starter and high-end backup, proving to be a nice stopgap for the Browns in 2022 in a run-heavy offense with limited weapons.

Sounds familiar, doesn’t it?

MORE: QB Power Rankings 2022

Brissett’s more consistent with his accuracy and decision-making than incumbent Sam Darnold and has taken a backseat role to a young QB. The 30-year-old completed 64% of his passes for 2,608 yards, 12 touchdowns, and only six interceptions in 11 starts last year.

Though Reich has relied on more shotgun looks than what Brissett thrived in last season, he’s not dissimilar to Carson Wentz. There’s a trade-off between value and perfect schematic fit that just isn’t available with this crop of quarterbacks.

3) Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers

I was surprised the Colts acquired Matt Ryan instead of Jimmy Garoppolo last year. Garoppolo was coming off shoulder surgery and has a lengthy injury history, so it’s possible that the combination of durability concerns and draft pick compensation scared Reich away from pushing for him.

Nevertheless, Garoppolo will be an unrestricted free agent this offseason and can’t be franchise tagged. Bringing a high baseline of competence could do wonders for the Panthers.

We know Garoppolo is effective when he’s in an effective scheme and has some playmaking around him. If Carolina can re-sign D’Onta Foreman, add a talented receiver, and reinforce the offensive line, Garoppolo can guide them to a playoff-caliber season.

However, Garoppolo has talent limitations and will be expensive. I think Carolina should opt to spend elsewhere and look for a long-term solution over the 31-year-old.

4) Sam Darnold, Panthers

Sam Darnold played in only six games in 2022 due to an ankle injury that limited his availability. He had a string of respectable performances, at least keeping the door open to the possibility of staying in Carolina.

Though he’s bad, it’s hard to imagine Carolina’s playmakers preferring a Baker Mayfield reunion to Darnold, even if the former is the better theoretical fit in Reich’s play-action attack.

Darnold can at least be a veteran in the room before the team fully transitions to a rookie. There’s clearly a drop in this option, but Darnold should be cheap and doesn’t cost the team any draft picks.

5) Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders

There’s no doubt Derek Carr is a better player than Brissett and Darnold, but he’ll come with a much heftier cost. Trading for Carr could cost at least a second-round pick and a multi-year commitment with a new contract. It makes little sense for Reich to tie his final shot at being a head coach to a 32-year-old Carr, even if he could push the team into the playoff mix right away.

Carr simply doesn’t have the upside needed to be more than a good short-term upgrade. His strong arm and short accuracy would certainly fit Reich’s play style, though. If he were released and not traded, he’d vault up this list even if the financial commitment would be high. The option of developing a franchise quarterback is simply more attractive.

Best Rookie QBs for the Carolina Panthers

1) C.J. Stroud, Ohio State

C.J. Stroud has the highest floor of any prospect in this class, and he’s the best pure pocket passer. If he can prove to be the creative playmaker he showed against Georgia, Stroud could be a top-10 NFL QB in the coming years.

He’s also an easy projection into Reich’s offense thanks to his ability to hit tight passing windows on short and intermediate attempts.

MORE: Carolina Panthers Offseason Preview 2023 — Free Agents, Cut Candidates, and Team Needs

If Stroud isn’t able to make plays under pressure and outside the pocket, he’s going to have to be fantastic within the structured pocket throws he gets off. That’s Stroud’s strength, but it’s a possible limiting factor for his future. Reich did well with a much less accurate and inferior pocket passer in Carson Wentz.

2) Anthony Richardson, Florida Gators

Regardless of whether the Panthers can get Stroud or their feelings on his upside, Anthony Richardson still might be the best pick for them to develop. If you look at the top quarterbacks in the NFL today, they all have the ability to create explosive plays.

Richardson fits the mold of Josh Allen, Justin Fields, Jalen Hurts, and Lamar Jackson as dynamic, mobile players with strong arms.

It’s fair to be concerned about his completion rate and lack of experience. However, like Allen, he has the traits to overcome those obstacles. That’s where a strong coach and organization are key, and the Panthers are banking on Reich to make a difference.

3) Bryce Young, Alabama Crimson Tide

There’s a lot to like about Bryce Young‘s game and his attitude. He’s a true gamer who does what he can to win. Even if he’s been struggling, a team can be confident that Young can shake it off and perform better on his next play after seeing him do it countless times at Alabama.

That being said, I can’t shake that Young’s size makes him an aberration in NFL history, and he doesn’t have the elite traits to overcome it. Kyler Murray might be his best comparison, but Young isn’t nearly as fast as a runner or as explosive as a passer. He’s a prime candidate to be a good but not quite great quarterback in the NFL.

I don’t think Carolina gets Young without trading up, which isn’t ideal for the franchise.

4) Will Levis, Kentucky Wildcats

I’ve been told the Panthers really like Will Levis as an organization, and it seems as though he’ll be the next Daniel Jones this draft season. He has a strong arm and is a good athlete, but there’s not a lot else of true strengths to Levis’ game. He needs a mechanical overhaul in order to increase his efficiency.

Reich is theoretically the guy to get it out of Levis as he did with Wentz for a short time. Though Levis has a higher upside than Young, I’d also be afraid of his floor.

5) Hendon Hooker, Tennessee Volunteers

There are certainly some concerns that come with Hendon Hooker, who is older for a rookie and coming off a torn ACL. He broke out late in his career as well. But Hooker stood out with a great arm, marked improvement in accuracy, and showed real playmaking ability in 2022.

It’s possible that Hooker will be a massive Day 2 steal if his senior season translates at all. Reich could easily incorporate his mobility and willingness to attack defenses vertically. Like with Levis, pairing Hooker with a stronger veteran could buy Reich time to develop the passer.



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Taylor Swift Is Shown Chugging a Beer on the Jumbotron at Super Bowl 58

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Global superstar Taylor Swift made it to the big game to support her boyfriend, Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. In the second quarter, it was evident that she was having a good time at the Super Bowl after taking a 12-hour flight from Tokyo the night prior.

Taylor Swift Seen Chugging Beer at Super Bowl

Swift’s attendance has been highly anticipated, as many fans questioned whether she would be able to make it to the big game since she had been in Japan until Saturday for her Eras Tour.

Sure enough, she made it to the Super Bowl and was seen making a grand entrance alongside Blake Lively and Ice Spice.

Swift made it back to the States with plenty of time to make it to Allegiant Stadium to support Kelce. After a leg of her Eras Tour, where she performed several nights in Japan, the singer appeared to let loose.

In a box full of friends, Swift was shown chugging a beer with Ashley Avignone. She was shown on the jumbotron and slammed her cup down after she finished her beer.

There was a mix of cheers and boos as Swift was shown on the big screen, and a long pass to Mecole Hardman was the only highlight of the first half for Swift and her friends. The 49ers led the Chiefs, 10-0, late in the second quarter.

On social media, Swift garnered plenty of support from NFL fans.

If you’re hating on her you can kick rocks man she’s the best,” one user posted on X

“The one thing I learned this season is that she is actually fun,” another said. 

“Booing Taylor Swift chugging a beer is so soft. She’s just one of us now and I respect it ,” another posted. 

At the time of the beer chugging, Kelce, Taylor Swift’s boyfriend, has had one catch for a single yard. It came on the first possession, which ended up being a three-and-out. The Kansas City Chiefs hadn’t done much otherwise.

They did have a deep pass play to Hardman, which put them in the red zone, but Isiah Pacheco fumbled on the very next play — one that Kelce was surprisingly on the sideline for.

Swift and Kelce have garnered much media attention as their romance has taken off throughout this NFL season.

Swift was able to support her boyfriend at many of his games throughout the final stretch of the season, as her Eras Tour was on a break. But starting on Feb. 7, she went back on the road.

MORE: NFL World Reacts to Unbelievable Super Bowl Trick Play

Despite performing in Tokyo the night before the Super Bowl, she was able to make it in time to support her boyfriend due to the time difference and is having a good time doing so.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





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What Happened to the 49ers Linebacker?

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The San Francisco 49ers sustained a massive blow during the second quarter of Super Bowl 58, as linebacker Dre Greenlaw left the game on a medical cart.

CBS Sports confirmed that the veteran Greenlaw suffered an Achilles tear, ruling him out for the rest of the game against the Kansas City Chiefs.

What Happened to Dre Greenlaw?

The outside linebacker, who had already been battling past injuries to his hamstrings and calves, left with what appeared to be a leg injury.

And somehow, his left leg looked like it buckled as he tried to trot onto the field with the Niners’ defense.

Greenlaw clutched his left leg in agony before being helped off the field.

CBS Sports sideline reporter Evan Washburn reported that the outside linebacker left with what was ruled as a lower leg injury. He was later determined to sustain an Achilles injury.

Greenlaw was declared out for the rest of the game.

Greenlaw Carted Off in Passenger Seat

Even more noticeable was where Greenlaw sat on the cart.

He ended up leaving not in the back of the medical vehicle but ended up riding shotgun with his leg injury.

One would think that with an injury like an Achilles ailment, medical officials would try to make the player as comfortable as possible before they leave. It wasn’t the case here.

MORE: San Francisco 49ers Depth Chart

Regardless, Greenlaw was replaced by Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles for the rest of the first half. Greenlaw became the most significant injury of the game.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





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NFL World Reacts to Epic Super Bowl Intro From CBS

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Super Bowl 58 is here and it’s going to be exciting. The San Francisco 49ers and Kansas City Chiefs are facing off in the final game of 2023.

CBS is broadcasting the game and the opening was nothing short of amazing. How is the NFL world reacting to the electric Super Bowl-opening video?

Epic CBS Super Bowl Intro Garners Reaction From NFL World

The video, which spanned four minutes and 19 seconds, featured players from both teams talking about the big game and what it means to them. It also featured their families talking about their journeys to this point.

“Amazing intro! Reminds me of my dad! Bravo on the intro!,” one NFL fan said on X (formerly known as Twitter)

Additionally, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way” played in the background, giving it a near-movie feel. “This was incredible.,” another person said on X. “And so, the @49ers and @Chiefs face that final curtain,” CBS Sports said.

The 49ers finished the regular season as the top seed in the NFC with a 12-5 record. After their first-round bye, they defeated both the Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions to earn their trip to Las Vegas for the Super Bowl. Both of their victories came in comeback fashion, including an NFC Championship-record 17-point comeback.

The Chiefs, on the other hand, had a more uphill battle. Entering the playoffs as the AFC’s third seed, they finished the regular season with an 11-6 record. In the playoffs, they defeated the Miami Dolphins, Buffalo Bills, and Baltimore Ravens to punch their ticket.

Super Bowl 58 is a re-match of Super Bowl 54 when the Chiefs defeated the 49ers 31-24. The win was the first in Patrick Mahomes career, as he also won Super Bowl MVP. Four years later, the Chiefs have made three more and won another. For the 49ers, this is their first trip back to the big game since.

The game kicked off at 6:30 p.m. ET with the 49ers receiving the opening kick. In addition to being broadcast on CBS, the game is also being streamed on Paramount+.

As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast

Listen to the PFN Fantasy Podcast! Click the embedded player below to listen, or you can find the PFN Fantasy Podcast on iTunes, Spotify, and all major podcast platforms.  Be sure to subscribe and leave us a five-star review! Rather watch instead? Check out the PFN Fantasy Podcast on our Fantasy YouTube channel.





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