You can’t say we didn’t warn you about the state of the quarterback position for the Carolina Panthers. In fact, we told you purgatory was ahead even before they traded for the current guy.

And what’s unfortunate about purgatory is that when you’re there, it’ll take some time and elbow grease to get out of it. So how can the Panthers escape?

Well, fans have been vocal all over social media about who they want under center from here on out. In an effort to sort those wishes out, we ranked the top-four most popular (and somewhat possible) options for Carolina.

P.J. Walker

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Many fans have been questioning why the Panthers haven’t just given Walker more of a chance. Well, he showed you why this past Sunday.

He was even worse in his performance than the one that led to the relief effort, which is saying something. Walker was frighteningly erratic, both in terms of composure and on his throws, a theme we saw play out in his four appearances last year as well.

The yearning (if you can call it that) for Walker amongst some of the faithful is almost understandable. His escapability and potent arm strength can make for a fun watch.

His special plays, however, come few and far between. Walker is an exciting presence at times—but just not a starting-caliber quarterback, let alone any type of longer-term answer at the moment.

Deshaun Watson

AP Photo/Justin Rex

Watson only comes one spot off the bottom simply because we know Walker definitely ain’t it. At least there’s a sliver of hope, although uncomfortably bleak, that things turn out fine for the Houston Texans quarterback.

The 26-year-old passer is, undoubtedly, amongst the upper tier of players at the position. His talent—highlighted by a cannon of an arm, a valuable lifeline of explosive elusiveness and a deep understanding of the game—is undeniable. Watson is one of the few men in this league that can elevate an entire offense just simply by being there.

He’s also a man whose character is in question.

It’s okay to feel uneasy about the prospect of your team potentially landing the guy. In fact, it’s a perfectly appropriate response.

The fact that 22 different women have come forward with their own story of Watson’s alleged sexual misconduct is extremely troubling. Not to mention, it’s also particularly problematic for the Panthers franchise considering what happened with its previous owner in Jerry Richardson.

So why willingly surrender a bevy of assets for a player whose on-field future is dangerously cloudy? And, more importantly, why willingly send such a repugnant message to everyone watching by entertaining such a move amidst an ongoing and perturbing situation?

Sam Darnold

AP Photo/Bill Kostroun

The Panthers have already invested the next two seasons into Darnold.

In order to land him, they had to surrender second and fourth-round picks in 2022, as well as a 2021 sixth-rounder, over to the New York Jets. Carolina, additionally, picked up his fifth-year option for the next campaign, setting him up for a fully-guaranteed payout of almost $18.9 million.

(Good luck trying to move that to another team.)

Unfortunately, Darnold’s only taken seven games to prove he isn’t what the Panthers hoped he’d be. The “untapped potential” will remain as such, with the fourth-year quarterback having yet to prove he can apply coaching lessons onto the field. He’s still inefficient with his footwork, still has a difficult time seeing routes develop and still plays with a frantic, distressed nature.

He is, by all accounts, a fine person and respected leader amongst his peers. So hopefully for Sam and the team, something clicks soon, because that may be their only option with an underwhelming draft class ahead.

Unless . . .

Cam Newton

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We had to do it.

Now, is the return of Superman realistic? Probably not. Who says the Carolina braintrust would be willing to admit a mistake? And who says Newton would be willing to return to the same braintrust that unceremoniously kicked him to the curb?

We even told you that much when he was released by the New England Patriots back on Aug. 31. The outlook for both the Panthers and Newton, however, has changed a bit since then.

For the latter party, we’re about to head into Week 8 of the season and he’s still unsigned. Even after some rumblings of interest, a report of vaccination and a few teams with a need at the spot, Newton is still out there. Heck, even his old head coach isn’t even going to sign him.

For the Panthers, the well is coming up dry and doing so quickly. The floor has fallen out from under Darnold in just a month’s time and the Dolphins seem far more likely to land Watson at this point.

So what is realistic about a reunion is that Newton undoubtedly gives the Panthers, more than anyone on the table, the best chance to win right now. Reports of any type of demise in 2020 were greatly exaggerated, as Newton still displayed his propensity for turning lemons into lemonade with the Patriots.

While his arm strength has noticeably deteriorated, he still’s able to generate enough power with adjusted mechanics and is still a noted threat as a rusher. Plus, whatever he was throwing to in New England was certainly worse than anything he’s ever had in Carolina—an organization who once trotted out Devin Funchess, Kaelin Clay and Brenton Bersin as his top wideouts in a playoff game.

Plus, could you imagine how much of a hero owner David Tepper would be to the fanbase if he brought back the franchise’s greatest player? Although he is a prideful man, perhaps to a concerning degree, business is business and Cam is best for it.

Despite having lost four in a row, the Panthers remain very much in contention. They’re still only 3-4 and have a handful of key contributors back on the way in running Christian McCaffrey, linebacker Shaq Thompson and cornerback Stephon Gilmore.

Add Newton to that mix, for what’ll presumably be a cheap prove-it deal to finish up the season, and we’re looking at functional and multi-faceted offense to complement what’s been a regularly reliable defense.

Come on, guys, swallow your pride and give the people what they want!