Carolina Panthers quarterback Matt Corral posted and later deleted a cryptic message after the franchise selected Bryce Young as the number one overall pick in the NFL Draft.
Corral, 24, was selected in the third round of last year’s draft by the Charlotte-based team before missing the regular season with a Lisfranc injury sustained during a preseason game against the New England Patriots. Instead, Baker Mayfield, Sam Darnold and P.J. Walker split starter duties during the 7-10 campaign as the Panthers missed the playoffs.
With all three quarterbacks now playing on other teams, Young seems set to be the team’s starter this season following their show of faith on draft night. Corral does not sound thrilled at that prospect.
An image shared on the player’s Instagram story in the aftermath of draft night included the following message: "Then the father said: ‘I wanted to let you know that you are not worth anything if you are not in the right place.
“If you are not appreciated, do not be angry. That means you are in the wrong place. Don’t stay in a place where no one sees your value.’"
Panthers head coach Frank Reich played down the situation when asked about Corral’s post, acknowledging that nothing is certain at this early stage of the offseason. “It is an emotional time,” the coach told FOX Charlotte. “I didn't see the post, but I don't overreact to stuff like that.
“The message to all the players is that we earn it on the field. We're excited about where we're going, and we trust that the guys in that locker room are excited as well.
As well as Corral and Young, the Panthers have Andy Dalton, a three-time Pro Bowler and re-signed Jacob Eason on a reserve/future contract as quarterback options. This year’s number one pick is positioned as the frontrunner, though, after what assets were parted with to land the top quarterback prospect.
The Panthers traded away star wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears, plus two first-round picks and multiple second-rounders to move up in the draft. The hope is that Young can finally replace Cam Newton.
Inconsistency has plagued the quarterback position since Newton also suffered a Lisfranc fracture before Week 3 of the 2019 season. The 2011 number one pick left at the end of that campaign after being given permission, but failing, to find a trade partner.
Teddy Bridgewater started all but one game during the following season. Even with Newton back, Darnold was the starter for 11 games of the 2021 season.
After Newton again exited at the end of that second spell in Charlotte, no quarterback started more than six games last year. All three of Darnold, Mayfield and Walker were released earlier this year, clearing the pathway for a rookie to fill the void from the quarterback-heavy draft class.
