draft numerous players. Before the draft, the Panthers traded with the Jets for QB Sam Darnold. Bridgewater was traded to the Broncos days later for an extra draft pick. During the 2021 NFL Draft, the Panthers selected cornerback Jaycee Horn with the 8th overall pick. They also made five trades, the most in franchise history. After starting the season 3-0, the Panthers fell off a cliff. Injuries to McCaffrey, inconsistent QB play and a poor offensive line doomed the team in many games. Horn was also injured early and missed most of his rookie season. The defense overall was a highlight, however, they could not mask all the offensive woes. The Panthers started three different QB's, including Cam Newton, who returned to the team in the middle of the season. Offensive Coordinator Joe Brady was fired with the team's record at 5-7. They wouldn't win another game after Brady's firing, finishing the year a disappointing 5-12. 2022 season The Panthers started the offseason firing three assistant coaches, including two hired by Ron Rivera. Carolina brought in Ben McAdoo, formerly the Giants head coach, to be their new offensive coordinator. The team drafted well, selecting offensive lineman Ikem Ekwonu with the 6th overall pick and QB Matt Corral in the third round, among others. Before the start of the season, the team signed former Browns QB Baker Mayfield. Mayfield would wind up as the starter due to preseason injuries to Darnold and Corral. Carolina started off the season with a loss and it didn't improve much from there. The team went 1-4 through their first 5 games with Mayfield and the offense receiving particular criticism. A home loss to the 49ers in week 5 proved a low point for both the team and the fan base. Rhule was fired the next day, October 10th. Steve Wilks became the team's interim head coach. Defensive coordinator Phil Snow and assistant special teams coach Ed Foley were also let go. Under Wilks, the Panthers improved, finishing the season with a 7-10 record. Wilks went 6-6 as the interim head coach. Mayfield was released during the season as PJ Walker and Darnold both started at QB. Brian Burns was also named to his second Pro Bowl with several other players named as alternates. Frank Reich era: 2023–present The Panthers held another coaching search during the 2022 offseason. On January 26, the team announced the hiring