2023 NFL Draft Rumors: Insiders Believe Panthers Will Be 'Aggressive' to Land QB

The Carolina Panthers are reportedly expected to be "aggressive" in pursuing a franchise quarterback in the 2023 NFL draft.

Dan Graziano of ESPN reported to "keep an eye" on the Panthers, who have also been linked to free-agent Derek Carr.

The Chicago Bears are expected to explore trading the No. 1 overall pick, presuming they decide to move forward with Justin Fields as their franchise quarterback. Fields threw for 2,242 yards and 17 touchdowns against 11 interceptions while adding 1,143 yards as a runner.

Assuming Chicago gives Fields another season under center, there could be a natural trade fit between the Bears and Panthers. Perhaps the only thing preventing an obvious trade is the Panthers' standing at the No. 9 pick, which could be lower than Chicago wants to move down.

Carolina general manager Scott Fitterer said the Panthers plan to have "conviction" if they want to move up for a passer.

"I think you've got to have conviction," Fitterer said. "If there are guys in this class that you like, you've got to go up, and go get him. You know, we're in a position now, where we have defense where we have, an offensive line that we built around this for this opportunity. So if you have conviction, go get them.

"If it's not, you don't want to force it. You don't want to take a (quarterback) and pass on a really good player that might set you back. But you can't be afraid to take a shot if you believe that's the guy."

The Panthers have had a different leading passer each of the last five seasons. Baker Mayfield led Carolina with 1,313 passing yards in 2022 despite being released after playing just seven games.

Matt Corral is the only quarterback on the Panthers depth chart.