The Carolina Panthers are in desperate need of a franchise-changing quarterback. After his impressive Combine performance, Florida’s Anthony Richardson looks like the perfect fit. Even if the Panthers have to trade up in the 2023 NFL Draft, landing Richardson would be worth it for Carolina.

Richardson ran a 4.43 40-yard dash, the fastest among quarterbacks in the last 10 years. His 40.5″ vertical and 10’9″ broad jump both set combine records for quarterbacks. The former Florida star proved he is one of the more athletic quarterbacks entering the NFL in recent history.

Richardson’s flaws are his lack of experience. His final season at Florida was the only time Richardson attempted more than 70 passes in a year. Richardson threw for 3,105 yards, 24 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He ran for 654 yards and nine additional scores.

The NFL knows that Richardson will be a project. However, his athleticism makes him the most tantalizing project in the 2023 NFL Draft. Because of that, Richardson’s draft stock has risen as the QB is now projected to potentially be a top-five pick.

Sitting at No. 9, Carolina would likely have to trade up to land Anthony Richardson. The Seattle Seahawks sit at No. 5 but just signed their QB Geno Smith to a long-term extension. If the Seahawks – or any NFL team – are open to it, the Panthers should definitely be interested in trading up and drafting Richardson to be their quarterback of the future.

Trade of the times

The Panthers know that trading up for Richardson won’t come cheap. But Carolina has gotten a pretty solid view of what to expect in an NFL Draft trade. While losing future assets might cost the Panthers, the upside in Richardson is worth it.

In the 2021 NFL Draft, two teams traded up to land a quarterback in the top-11 picks. The 49ers traded up select Trey Lance at No. 3. They dealt away three first-round picks and a third-rounder to move up. The Bears traded up to No. 11 and took Justin Fields. Chicago dealt two first-round picks and a pair of late-rounders.