CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The Carolina Panthers desperately wanted to land Deshaun Watson to solve the quarterback issues that have plagued them for the better part of the past four seasons.

But when the three-time Pro Bowler snubbed the Panthers’ overtures and refused to change his no-trade clause for Carolina, it left the team back at square one searching for that elusive franchise QB. Watson was eventually traded to the Cleveland Browns.

Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer said Friday that as of now Sam Darnold is “in the lead” to be the team’s starting quarterback next season, although it’s clear the position remains extremely fluid with the draft around the corner.

Darnold, who struggled mightily in his first season with Carolina in 2021, and P.J. Walker are the only quarterbacks under contract.

That's expected to change.

Carolina has the No. 6 pick in next month's draft.

The Panthers sent a large contingent of front office executives, coaches and scouts last week to watch Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett and Liberty’s Malik Willis work out at their pro days.

Fitterer said the Panthers haven't had any recent conversations with other NFL teams about trading for a veteran quarterback, although the second-year general manager has said several times in the past that his goal is to be “in on every deal.”

The Panthers turned their attention to addressing other areas of the team after missing out on Watson, adding free agent offensive linemen Austin Corbett and Bradley Bozeman, running back D'Onta Freeman, wide receiver Rashard Higgins, linebackers Matt Ioannidis and Cory Littleton, safety Xavier Woods and punter Johnny Hekker.