3 sneaky moves the Detroit Lions could do to get a backup quarterback
2. Trade For Matt Corral
As the Panthers move into a new era under head coach Frank Reich, they are naturally resetting at quarterback. Corral was a third-round pick in 2022 out of Ole Miss with the previous coaching regime in place, and a Lisfranc injury ended his rookie season last preseason.
NFL Network’s Mike Giardi, to no surprise at all, reported earlier this month the Panthers are “willing to move” Corral and the “cost won’t be high.”
Heard from multiple sources that the #Panthers would be willing to move last year's 3rd round draft pick, QB Matt Corral. Cost won't be high.
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) March 13, 2023
The first of Corral’s two seasons as Ole Miss’ starter was better than the second in a broad sense. In 2020 he threw for 3,337 yards (10.2 yards per attempt) with 29 touchdowns and 14 interceptions (11 in two games), as he completed nearly 71 percent of his passes and added over 500 rushing yards and four scores on the ground. He led the country in total offense per game (384.9 yards).
In 2021 Corral threw for 3,349 yards in 13 games, completing 67.9 percent of his passes with 20 touchdowns and five interceptions. He also ran for 614 yards with 11 rushing scores.
A knock on Corral is a lack of size (6-foot-1, a little over 200 pounds). But he is plenty capable, with comparison to Derek Carr offered by NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah heading toward the 2021 season.
In some respects, Corral is a lot like Goff but with mobility and something to offer with his legs. Working with Ben Johnson would certainly be a positive step for his young career, and in a broad sense the Lions should be intrigued here.