Panthers will look at 'every opportunity' for QB

Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer hinted on Tuesday he could use the sixth overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft to acquire a quarterback who, ideally, would compete with veteran Sam Darnold this summer. While the Panthers were routinely linked with Kenny Pickett of the Pittsburgh Panthers and Malik Willis of the Liberty Flames in mock drafts and rumors, Fitterer and company instead selected North Carolina State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu on Thursday night. 

As noted by Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk, the Panthers began Friday afternoon on track to be draft spectators until they're called to use pick No. 137. Fitterer admitted, though, he could look to move into the draft's second round. He also didn't close the door on making a call to a different team about a proven commodity such as former Cleveland Browns starter Baker Mayfield. 

"I think we’ll look at every opportunity out there. There are still some really good players in this draft and we’ll also look at every opportunity outside the organization," Fitterer explained about his mindset. 

It was reported Thursday the Panthers could explore a trade for Mayfield following the draft's first round. PFT's Mike Florio argued on Friday Carolina should pull the trigger on that deal as soon as possible even if doing so means the Panthers pay all of the $18.858 million of the fully guaranteed salary owed to Mayfield for the 2022 season. 

"They’re already paying that to Darnold, and they don’t want him to be the starter," Florio wrote. "Put them together and it’s $37.6 million in cash and cap space for the quarterback position in 2022."