DAVE CANALES’ DECISION DRAWS BACKLASH FROM ANALYSTS

Charlotte, North Carolina. As the Carolina Panthers continue to struggle for consistency in a turbulent 2025 season, head coach Dave Canales has come under fire for his latest quarterback decision. His choice to prioritize veteran experience over youth has sparked heavy criticism across the NFL media, especially from those who believe Hendon Hooker is being wasted on the bench.

The critique comes from Tim Weaver, a respected NFL analyst and journalist for Sports Illustrated’s Carolina Panthers coverage. Weaver, who has written for USA Today and The Sporting News, described Canales’ decision as “one of the coach’s biggest mistakes since taking over in Carolina.”

From hope to frustration

Before the 2025 regular season began, the Panthers had released quarterback Jack Plummer after a poor preseason and claimed Hendon Hooker off waivers following his release from the Detroit Lions.

Hooker, 25, a standout from the University of Tennessee, was known for his quick reads, strong accuracy, and calm leadership. Drafted by the Lions in the third round of the 2023 NFL Draft, he never got a real chance to start in Detroit but was widely viewed as a high-upside developmental quarterback.

When Carolina picked him up, analysts called it a “smart, forward-thinking move,” especially with Bryce Young still searching for consistency as QB1. But now, those same analysts are wondering if Hooker will ever see the field.

The controversial move: signing Mike White and dropping Hooker to QB4

This week, the Panthers officially signed Mike White from their practice squad to the active 53-man roster, effectively pushing Hendon Hooker down to QB4 on the depth chart.

Heading into Week 9 against the Green Bay Packers, the team’s quarterback lineup now looks like this:

1. Bryce Young (QB1) – the starter, still developing.

Weaver noted in his column:

“This move sends a clear message. The Panthers are not planning to develop Hendon Hooker this season, and maybe not at all.”

Who is Mike White, and why the controversy?

Mike White, 30, has spent time with the Cowboys, Jets, Dolphins, and Bills before joining the Panthers. He has appeared in 15 career games with 7 starts, posting a 2-5 record, 2,247 passing yards, 9 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions with a 62.5% completion rate.

While White is seen as reliable in short-term situations, he has never proven himself as a long-term starter. Most analysts view him as a temporary option rather than a developmental project.

Weaver wrote bluntly:

“Dave Canales chose safety over vision. In a rebuilding season, the Panthers need creativity, not caution. Hooker is the kind of player who deserves at least a chance to show what he can do.”

Analysts: “Canales is repeating Detroit’s mistake”

Several NFL insiders echoed Weaver’s criticism, arguing that Canales’ decision represents a step backward in Carolina’s rebuilding process.

Michael Lombardi, a former NFL executive now working for the NFL Network, commented:

“Hooker was overlooked in Detroit despite his potential. Now it’s happening again in Carolina. The Panthers are doing exactly what the Lions did — letting fear of risk destroy opportunity.”

Writers from Bleacher Report and Pro Football Focus agreed, suggesting Hooker “deserves at least a handful of snaps” — especially with Andy Dalton battling injury and Bryce Young still finding his rhythm.

The risk to Hooker’s future

Hendon Hooker’s current contract runs through the end of the 2025 season. If he continues to sit behind three quarterbacks, his chances of staying with the team long-term are slim.

One NFL scout told SI:

“Hooker’s the kind of quarterback who thrives when given belief. If he keeps getting ignored, he’ll end up being another talented player who never got his shot.”

Hooker himself spoke briefly to reporters earlier this season:

“I don’t need sympathy. I just want a chance to play. I’ve watched and learned long enough — now I just want to compete.”

Fans react: #FreeHooker trends in Charlotte

The news of Hooker’s demotion quickly spread online, and within hours, the hashtag #FreeHooker began trending among Panthers fans.

One fan wrote:

“Carolina has a QB1 who’s inconsistent, a QB2 who’s hurt, a QB3 who’s average — and still won’t give Hooker a chance. What’s the plan here?”

Others defended Canales, arguing that he’s trying to maintain stability in a fragile season:

“He’s not wrong for choosing experience right now. The team needs stability, not experiments.”

Weaver’s conclusion: “If Canales won’t change, the Panthers will stay stuck”

Tim Weaver ended his piece with a pointed warning.

“The Panthers need vision, not fear. If Dave Canales continues to choose the safe option, Carolina will keep spinning its wheels. And one day, they’ll look back and realize they let Hendon Hooker — a quarterback with real potential — slip away without even trying.”

As of now, there are no indications that the Panthers will alter their quarterback plans ahead of their Week 9 matchup with the Packers. Hooker remains inactive, while Mike White is prepared to step in if Andy Dalton can’t play.