As NFL draft approaches, Carolina Panthers GM Scott Fitterer informs Sam Darnold 'there's a pretty good chance we could add' quarterback

CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Carolina Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer met with Sam Darnold on Monday and told the No. 3 pick of the 2018 NFL draft «there's a pretty good chance» the team will add a quarterback during the upcoming draft weekend.

Fitterer, in Tuesday's pre-draft news conference, said there are two quarterbacks the team feels comfortable selecting with the sixth overall pick. Liberty's Malik Willis and Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett consistently have been rated the highest among draft analysts.

Fitterer also said the team had options outside the draft for adding a quarterback. He didn't mention Baker Mayfield of the Cleveland Browns or Jimmy Garoppolo of the San Francisco 49ers by name since under league rules he's not allowed to discuss players on other rosters.

But Fitterer re-emphasized that Carolina wants to «stabilize the quarterback position» and noted the best solution long-term is with a young player in the draft.

«I mean, you want to draft one and develop him and have him be your own,» he said. «There is cost-effectiveness that is involved with that. And also, why are some quarterbacks available that are out on the market? You have to ask yourself that.»

The Panthers have been trying to upgrade at quarterback since completing their second straight five-win season under Matt Rhule, who was not a part of the pre-draft news conference. They were willing to give the Houston Texans three first-round draft picks, players and other draft picks for Deshaun Watson.

Watson ultimately was traded to the Browns, who now are seeking to move on from Mayfield, the top pick in 2018. A league source told ESPN.com shortly after Cleveland secured Watson that Carolina was not interested in Mayfield at that time.

That could