There has been a lot of talk about the Carolina Panthers potentially trading or releasing Cam Newton this offseason, but apparently that is not the team’s plan.
The Panthers are moving forward as if Newton will be their starting quarterback in 2020, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports. Newton is making progress in his recovery from a foot injury, and new Panthers coach Matt Rhule and his staff have been encouraged with the progress and commitment they have seen from the former MVP.
#Panthers coach Matt Rhule and his staff have been encouraged with how Cam Newton has treated his rehab and how intent he is to get back to top form. He’s spent plenty of time in town. With so much to rebuild in other areas, having a legit starter in place eases the transition. https://t.co/LIvqQDj5b5
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) February 25, 2020
Rapoport notes that Newton’s foot will not be fully healed for several months, so that may limit his potential trade market. There’s still a chance things could change if a team blows Carolina away with an offer, and the Panthers have made it clear that Newton’s health will be a factor in whether or not he remains with the team.
Kyle Allen got off to a hot start when he took over for Newton last season, but Allen came back to earth down the stretch and lost his job to rookie Will Grier. It goes without saying that Newton has more potential than either both Allen and Grier when he’s healthy, and he has said all the right things about his future with the team. Rhule’s best chance of quickly building a contender is doing so around a healthy Newton.
