In an effort to slow the revolving door of starting quarterbacks, the Carolina Panthers traded three draft picks to acquire QB Sam Darnold in the 2021 offseason.

That didn’t work either. Darnold had nine TDs to 13 INTs and eventually the Panthers brought Cam Newton back into the mix – which proved to be even worse. Carolina slogged to its third-straight season with just five wins, despite a defense that ranked No. 2 in yards allowed.

Darnold is still under contract for 2022 – at a cost of over $18 million – but it’s clear coach Matt Rhule and the team would like to explore other options. With a strong defense and RB Christian McCaffrey in the mix, QB is a priority.

Bookies.com oddsmaker Adam Thompson has revealed the projected NFL betting odds as to who will be under center for Carolina in Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season.

RELATED: Kyler Murray A Trade Target For The Carolina Panthers?

Next Carolina Panthers Quarterback Odds

These NFL odds have been created by our NFL handicapper Adam Thompson. They do not reflect odds that may be available on legal betting apps or betting sites.

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Sam Darnold Still Carolina’s QB?

At this stage it’s difficult to imagine Darnold as the long-term fix for Carolina. He’ll make over $18 million in 2022, crushing his trade value for a team looking for a backup QB (nobody is looking for Darnold to be their starter anymore).

Carolina’s cap position is middle of the pack, but trading for a new starter might be challenging without unloading salary. Darnold’s salary, to be blunt.

It’s possible Rhule gives Darnold one more year before focusing on QB for 2023, with a draft that’s expected to be flush with starter-level options. That said, if Rhule can’t show some improvement soon, he may not be the coach to make those decisions.

Quarterback is one of several positions of need for Carolina, but it’s clearly among the higher priorities. The prospects of Darnold and P.J. Walker in ‘22 aren’t sending bolts of optimism through Charlotte.

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Carolina Panthers Draft QB?

That makes the draft a possible spot to find the next starter. The Panthers have the No. 6 overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, then no picks in Rounds 2 or 3. Their next selection comes at No. 105 in the fourth round.

Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett helped solidify his standing as the top QB in the class with a near-perfect performance at the Senior Bowl (6-for-6, 89 yards, TD). That Panthers owner David Tepper is a Pittsburgh alum and a big booster to the university is at least worth noting (the business school on campus is named after him).

Liberty QB Malik Willis showcased his athleticism at the Senior Bowl (54 yards rushing), and his arm strength is elite for this draft. He may be more of a project, however, which means even if they take Willis, Darnold may get the Week 1 nod.

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Panthers Trade For Kyler?

Baker Mayfield and Jimmy Garoppolo are on teams but widely known to be available. The 49ers are looking for trade partners for QB Garoppolo, who is owed over $21 million for 2022. Mayfield and the Browns are in a fractured relationship; his $18.6 million cap hit is massive for a No. 2 QB, which is what he is in Cleveland with Deshaun Watson now in town.

Kyler Murray’s status in Arizona seemingly was repaired after a tumultuous start to the offseason – at least in the public eye. Bookies.com sources say Carolina hasn’t given up in acquiring the former No. 1 overall pick, and if there is hope, the Panthers may find a way. It could start with the No. 6 overall pick and perhaps even Christian McCaffrey, who has been mentioned in trade rumors recently.