The Carolina Panthers have been sending mixed signals about their intentions with Cam Newton since Matt Rhule was hired as the team’s new head coach, but recent reports have indicated they are proceeding as if Newton will be their starting quarterback in 2020. That could change at some point this offseason, especially if a team like the Los Angeles Chargers aggressively pursues Newton.
The Panthers are not yet fully committed to keeping Newton on their roster, according to a report from Jourdan Rodrigue and Joseph Person of The Athletic. Depending upon where certain quarterbacks end up and how confident teams are that Newton’s foot is completely healed, there could be a significant trade market for the former NFL MVP this summer. The Chargers are believed to have the most interest of any team at the moment.
It would make sense for the Chargers to pursue a star quarterback like Newton, as they have officially parted ways with Philip Rivers and are trying to drum up more fan interest to accompany their move to a new stadium. They are also expected to make a strong push to sign Tom Brady, though there seems to be a growing belief that Brady would not want to play for the Chargers.
Rhule told reporters last week that he is extremely excited to work with Newton, which is probably what he would say even if he planned to trade the QB. The Panthers can’t really do anything until Newton is fully recovered from the Lisfranc injury that cost him most of the 2019 season, so their smartest approach in the meantime is to convince teams they are intent on keeping him even if that’s not the truth.
