Panthers Likely To Release Cam Newton Soon?

Although the Panthers are attempting to trade quarterback Cam Newton after landing another signal-caller in free agent Teddy Bridgewater, Carolina is having trouble finding a suitor, according to Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic (Twitter link). As a result, the Panthers are likely to simply release Newton in the near future.

Carolina’s inability to deal Newton is largely the result of two factors. First, the supply of quarterbacks currently outweighs the demand. Teams like the Bears and Colts have already made additions under center, while the Chargers aren’t planning to make a run at a veteran quarterback. As such, the Patriots may be the only club in need of an experienced passer.

Second, Newton finished the 2019 campaign on injured reserve after going down with a Lisfranc injury. Interested teams would certainly like to have Newton take a physical before acquiring him, but given the current COVID-19 travel restrictions, that doesn’t appear possible. It seems doubtful any club would take a chance on Newton’s health without checking him out in person.

The Panthers have no intention of retaining both Newton and Bridgewater, per Rodrigue, so once the latter completes a physical with Carolina, Newton is likely to be cut. At that point, the Panthers would pick up $19.1MM in cap relief while absorbing $2MM in dead money.

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