After trading up to select Bryce Young first overall, the Carolina Panthers had higher expectations from the former Alabama star quarterback in his rookie season. Yet, just because there were several growing pains, it doesn’t mean the Panthers are already thinking about throwing in the towel on their 22-year-old QB.
Yet, it also doesn’t mean that first-year head coach Dave Canales won’t resist the opportunity to add another QB to the depth chart, either to push or help teach his new pupil.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Drew Lock is one free agent name the Panthers fanbase should watch closely. Fowler cited Lock’s “strong ties” to Coach Canales, who worked with him in 2022 as Seattle’s quarterback coach.
Lock originally entered the NFL as the 42nd overall pick in the 2019 Draft with the Denver Broncos. He was then traded to the Seahawks as part of the Russell Wilson blockbuster. Then, last year, when Lock was set to become a free agent, he chose to re-sign with the Seahawks for $4 million.
He ended up starting two games after Geno Smith got injured. Lock led the Seahawks to a 1-1 record, completing 63.2% of his passes while averaging 135.8 yards per game. He threw for three touchdowns and three interceptions.
While Lock has primarily operated as a backup QB, he does have 23 NFL starts on his resume, and could be a valuable piece for the Panthers. Keep in mind, Carolina also has Andy Dalton, who is currently the top backup QB on the Panthers, yet it’s possible Canales would prefer to have a familiar face like Lock too.
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