The Panthers should trade for Gardner Minshew in 2022

By: Jake Rajala

Gardner Minshew may sadly be the most underrated cemented QB2 in the NFL and the trade mill surrounding Minshew mania could resemble crickets chirping. I believe that Minshew would be a perfect QB fit for one particular, desperate team: Carolina Panthers. With that enunciated, I’m going to untwine three reasons why Minshew and the Panthers would be a perfect marriage.

Great value option

The Browns are seeking a second or third-round pick for the “expensive” Mayfield, so it’s clear that Mayfield is an expensive, shaky option. Meanwhile, Minshew would likely cost the Panthers a fifth or sixth-round pick. If Minshew isn’t an above-average starter, the GM can still rest knowing that he didn’t break the bank for his services. Meanwhile, if Baker burns out for the second straight season, the Browns would have a “Brock Osweiler” situation with an overly expensive, failed project at QB.

Minshew’s Floor

The Panthers can be a competitive team with an “Alex Smith-like QB”. They have CMAC, a terrific WR duo, and an ascending defense. I trust that the former Jags QB that threw 21 passing TDs, 6 ints, and 3,271 passing yds, as a rookie on a mediocre Jags offense can edge out Sam Darnold and potentially allow the Panthers to build around him for a couple of seasons.

Current QB situation

The Panthers are clearly aggressive for a QB upgrade which shows their hail mary attempt at snagging Mayfield. I don’t love the Panthers short-term outlook with Darnold and the third-round pick Matt Corral. If Darnold doesn’t progress, the Panthers rook could definitely have a hard time beating the Buccaneers and Saints in 2022 and it may be wise for the Panthers to be creative in their search for the right veteran QB.