After the Bears traded the first overall pick to the Panthers on Friday, Carolina now has control of the top of the draft. While the team is expected to take a quarterback with that first pick, the Panthers are trying to keep their options open, which could include an unorthodox decision.
According to reports by ESPN’s David Newton and The Athletic‘s Joe Person, Carolina could actually trade back down in the draft if they do not love one option above the rest at No. 1.
Trading down in the first round two months after trading up would be a highly unusual move by Carolina, and one that might never happen again. It’s the type of maneuver really only happens in movies. However, it is possible that the Panthers evaluate the top four quarterback prospects then decide none of them are definitely worth the No. 1 overall pick above the others, leading to another trade.
Despite Carolina wanting to keep all options open, it is still more than likely that the Panthers use the first overall pick. Right now, it seems as though Ohio State quarterback CJ Stroud is the early favorite, but Alabama’s Bryce Young, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson will all be considered.
No matter what the Panthers decide, the team appears ready to add a franchise talent at quarterback this year one way or another.
