On Aug. 30, the Carolina Panthers announced the release of quarterback Matt Corral.
Once Corral entered waivers, the Panthers were preparing to sign him to their practice squad and did not anticipate him being claimed by another team.
Matt Corral will be signed to the #Panthers practice squad if he clears waivers today, according to Scott Fitterer. pic.twitter.com/0p3JI1dU78
— Michael Rimmer (@avl_mike) August 31, 2023
However, the New England Patriots ultimately claimed him off waivers. For Corral, the Patriots are somewhat of an ironic destination.
Matt Corral will be signed to the #Panthers practice squad if he clears waivers today, according to Scott Fitterer. pic.twitter.com/0p3JI1dU78
— Michael Rimmer (@avl_mike) August 31, 2023
Why Did the Patriots Claim Corral?
As previously stated, Corral was claimed off waivers. Here are two reasons why that happened.
First of all, in a very questionable series of moves, the Patriots cut just about every quarterback on their roster (most notably Bailey Zappe and Malik Cunningham). Starter Mac Jones was the lone survivor.
Additionally, Corral is still a raw talent, having only played in preseason games in 2022 and 2023.
Nobody knows the ceiling or floor for Corral, and with the offensive staff the Patriots have, maybe they can “fix” Corral.
But what makes this trade so ironic?
Panthers’ 2022 Trade Partner
In the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft, a trade was made between the Patriots and the Panthers. Carolina’s front office acquired the No. 94 overall pick from New England in exchange for the 137th overall pick (Zappe) and a 2023 third-round pick (linebacker Marte Mapu).
Corral was selected with the Panthers’ newly-acquired No. 94 pick.
2022 Preseason Week 2
Take a wild guess whom the Panthers were facing that week.
If you guessed the New England Patriots in New England, you’d be correct.
Corral started that game and went 9-for-15 with 58 yards en route to a 20-10 loss. Corral’s rookie season went sideways during the fourth quarter after his left foot was awkwardly stepped on. He was soon diagnosed with a Lisfranc injury, ending his rookie season.
Nevertheless, even before Corral’s injury, Bill Belichick must have seen something in Corral, prompting him to claim the young signal-caller when he became available last week.
The Carolina Panthers fanbase wishes nothing but the best for Corral. New England looks to be where Corral’s stint in Carolina indirectly began and ended.
He is now with the team that can either be his savior or downfall.
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