NanuqoftheNorth

I would hope that the Panthers are exploring all their options at QB, including Minshew. I also hope they'll consider more than a single stat before drawing any conclusions. https://www.nfl.com/players/gardner-minshew/stats/career https://www.nfl.com/players/derek-carr/stats/career

True. As we've seen, some people are willfully ignorant when the truth undermines their preferred narrative.

A cautionary tale for parents who coddle their children. They'll eventually turn on you.

This story doesn't surprise me in the least. Especially considering how swollen Russell Wilson's head had become during his last few seasons in Seattle. Russell wanted to be included in all the important decisions; schemes, coaching and player personnel. His ego seemingly had no limits. Seattle simply wasn't big enough for both of them. Either Russell Wilson or the Seahawks had to go. I feel comfortable with the city's decision.

Why not have both? Remember, Bridgewater and Darnold were both receiving 20 mil/year. So, is 30-35 mil/year for a significant upgrade at QB too much to pay? Keep in mind that the salary cap is increasing by 16 million for 2023. Carr would be the best QB in the division and the Panthers would become the odds on favorite to win the NFC South. None of this would prevent the Panthers from drafting their QB of the future this year or next. Wouldn't it be enjoyable to watch the Panthers get back to playing competitive football in 2023?

The Bucs and Rams went for broke to win Lombardi Trophies. It will be curious to see how long it takes these teams to bounce back from their Super Bowl hangovers.

Almost goes without saying that today's NFL QB contract numbers are absurd, especially considering that they were well out of control a decade ago when they were in the 20 mil/year range. Having said that, the reality is today's average to slightly above average NFL QBs are poised to secure 30 million plus per year contracts going forward. It won't change until serviceable QBs start getting 40 mil/year contracts. Crazy but true: In today's market, Carr is likely to secure a 3 year contract worth over 100 million.

Probably one of the easiest positions to fill. Please, no more expensive running backs.

True, but you still have an employee on staff with an eye for talent and the owner's ear. For the last decade or so the Panthers have been seated at the back of the class shooting spit balls.

Is there a reunion with the Seahawks? A friend in need is a friend indeed.

I like Eric and wish him nothing but the best. Having said that, he does a whole lot of rambling with a five alarm firehose worth of cliches and platitudes in this video.

In retrospect, it is pretty obvious newbie owner, David Tepper, was unable discern between whatever Marty Hurney was telling him and sound advice. To Tepper's credit, he's done a 180 recently by surrounding himself with a boatload of highly respected NFL advisors. Can't wait to see what this new staff accomplishes in free agency and the draft.

45 million for Jones is unbelievable, but it could simply be a negotiating tactic. If I were the Giants I'd try the nonexclusive tag and hope some team makes a deal with Jones, so the Giants end up with two first round picks. Realistically, I think the Giants tag Jones and end up keeping him when he fails to attract any acceptable offers from other teams.

Yeah, Carr looked horrible last season. Worrisome until you realize McDaniels took away Carr's ablility to change plays at the line last year. Derek is well known for his late game winning drives and that was taken away from him thanks to McDaniels who has a history of destroying teams as HC. McDaniels and Mark Davis are a lethal dose of Dumb and Dumber.

As a casual fan, I couldn't tell you what if any interest the Panthers might have in Derek Carr. However, I wouldn't be surprised if Carolina drafts a QB this year AND brings in a vet as well. I suspect much of what will eventually happen, when it comes to free agents and the draft, hasn't even been discussed, much less decided on by our new staff. I will say, as fan/follower of the Raiders for the last 50 years, that they're a mess and have been for the better part of two decades. Their defense has ranked between 29th and 32nd in just about every meaningful category during Carr's time with the team. Carr's numbers have been negatively impacted by an historically bad defense. A defense that forces him to take chances QBs with better teams wouldn't have to consider taking. I seriously doubt Carr ends up with Carolina, simply because there are other teams further along in their development and better positioned to take advantage of what Carr has to offer. If he does somehow end up with the Panthers, I'm confident he will positively change many doubters minds about his abilities.

Mahomes and Rodgers were both backups for a year (or more) while refining their abilities, prior to being awarded their starting positions. Mohomes recently credited Alex Smith with shortening his learning curve, saying what he learned in three months w/Alex's help might have taken him up to three years to learn on his own. Having time to sit and absorb information without the unrelenting pressure of being a starting NFL QB is invaluable. Even for the most talented rookie QBs.

I suspect Derek Carr and Aaron Rodgers have entered the QB conversation in the Giants HQ as well. "If we're going to have to pay Jones 45 million per season, we might as well see what else is out there before committing to him."

It certainly is understandable from a player's prospective and with the salary cap is going up again, why not ask? From the Giants prospective, I'd want to see Jones replicate his recent level of performance for at least another season prior to signing him to a long term deal.

To his credit, as an analytics guy, George Li knew his number was up in Indianapolis.

Jim Caldwell really gives off a calm, competent and confident leadership vibe. Panthers are lucky to have his knowledge and experience to lean on.

Couple of take aways... Coaching staff analysis of players on the roster begins this week. Reich wouldn't get into specifics on prospective QBs, process has only just begun.

Daniel Jones Agent: They're paying the worst QB in the NFL, Sam Darnold, 20 million down in Carolina. You've got to be worth at least twice that playing for the Giants and making the playoffs. Daniel Jones: I like the way you're thinking.

It has been less than 30 years (1994) since the NFL salary cap was instituted. That year's cap? 34.6 million. Another year or so and NFL teams won't be able to secure the services of a middle of the pack QB for that amount. Our society's priorities/values are way out of whack.

Just for the record, the Panthers have been to two Super Bowls in the organization's history. One QB was a hired gun, the other was drafted. Moral of the Story: There's more than one road that leads to the Super Bowl.

Drafting a franchise QB is usually the way to go (easier said than done), but for those teams who only lack a few pieces of the puzzle, bringing in a hired gun has proven to be a successful strategy (See the Rams and Bucs). I don't believe the Panthers are just a few pieces away from competing, so if Reich and Company believe in one of these QBs in the draft they've got my support. On the other hand, if they choose to bring in one of the better vets to make the Panthers immediate playoff contenders, I'm good with that as well. Afterall, I'm just a spectator. No matter which way the Panthers decide to go, it isn't going to change my life in any meaningful way.