Carolina Panthers sign free agent quarterback

The Carolina Panthers are signing yet another former USC star quarterback, according to Joe Person, who covers the team for The Athletic.

“Panthers are signing free agent quarterback Matt Barkley, per sources,” Person tweeted on Tuesday. “Deal is pending physical. Barkley, another former USC quarterback, was with the Titans in training camp.”

The Carolina Panthers are unsure if starting quarterback Sam Darnold will be able to play this week against the Arizona Cardinals due to a right shoulder injury. If Darnold is unable to go, P.J. Walker will be thrown into the QB1 spot.

Barkley, a former fourth round draft pick of the Philadelphia Eagles, has also spent time with the Bills, Bears, and Titans. In 19 career games (seven starts), Barkley has thrown for 2,699 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 22 interceptions while completing 58.4% of his passes. 

While it’s clear as of now the Panthers’ brass are simply seeking depth with Darnold’s status uncertain moving forward, there are now two former USC Trojans’ star quarterbacks in Charlotte.

What does Matt Barkley bring to the Carolina Panthers?

 Barkley spent the last three years backing up Josh Allen in Buffalo and appeared in eight games. One of those appearances was a start in 2018 and Barkley was 53-of-97 for 788 yards, three touchdowns, and four interceptions while with the Bills.

According to Pro Football Talk, Darnold went for an MRI on his shoulder on Monday and head coach Matt Rhule said the team would wait for results before deciding on their plan at quarterback this week.