Set to be without longtime cornerstones Luke Kuechly and Greg Olsen next season, the Panthers will soon need to make a decision on their quarterback. Some parts of that equation are forming.
Cam Newton is recovering from foot surgery and has yet to resume football activities. But the former MVP went through a meeting with Matt Rhule, David Tepper and GM Marty Hurney recently and “absolutely” expects to be a Panther next season, he said during an interview on CBS Sports’ Brandon Tierney and Tiki Barber (video link).
While Newton admitted he is disappointed by Ron Rivera being out of the picture but is moving forward with the new regime. One season, at an affordable $18.6MM salary, remains on Newton’s deal. The Panthers could save $19.1MM and potentially accelerate a rebuild by moving on from the 30-year-old passer, but they have not ruled out the prospect of allowing him to play out his contract. They were, however, non-committal about the injured quarterback last month.
The Panthers want to see Newton resume football work in March before making a decision, Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com report. Hurney and his new power structure partners would prefer to give Newton a shot and assess the situation at that point. Picking at No. 7, the Panthers are an unrealistic Joe Burrow destination. The Panthers are higher on potential 2021 early-first-round quarterbacks Trevor Lawrence and Justin Fields than the non-Burrow 2020 quarterback contingent, per Fowler and Graziano. The Clemson and Ohio State passers, respectively, will generate immense buzz over the next year. It will almost certainly take premium draft position to land either.
Given the early developments in Carolina’s offseason, it would not be especially surprising to see the team trade Newton. However, the former Pro Bowler has a manageable salary thanks to his extension being signed back in 2015. Regardless, Newton represents a key domino in an offseason that will feature several significant quarterback decisions.
Toasty!!!
Trade away all your guys worth anything. Get picks for next year. Thier value is lower now than next year.
I doubt Cam will have much value with the surgery and all. Worth a shot to shop him. If you keep him hire someone to pick out his outfits. He can spend more time watch video and less worrying does this scarf match my jacket.
Also that person hopefully will never let him wear that scarf or any on his head again. In fact forget about hiring someone for that it makes great meme material. Some of his hats are cool some not but stick with hats scarves like that are not for men.
Cant stand this guy looked like a goof on NFL tv. He’s a me me guy has to be in the spotlight for what. Yet to impress me hasnt won a title likely never will . He ain’t no super man!
What is Cam Newton’s trade value? If it’s not much, better to let him play out his contract. Quarterback play at Newton’s level starts at $25 million/year (when healthy).
Play Out Final Year Then Rott Away Another 2Yrs In Chicago
Cam needs to go design hats. He will collect his 18m and retire.