The Cam Newton conundrum. Analyzing Panthers quarterback situation, offseason needs
Consider 2020 a turning point for the Panthers, and a significant part of that will surround what comes next for Cam Newton.
The Panthers’ roster is likely to see a lot of change in the offseason and that may include multiple positions getting complete overhauls. We’ll be taking a look at each position by assessing their 2019 performance and then looking toward the future.
There’s no better place to start than at quarterback. Newton is the biggest unknown for the Panthers, in terms of how healthy he will be and whether the team will decide to put its trust in his ability to become or remain healthy.
With Newton missing all but the first two games this season, 2019 was a difficult year for Carolina quarterbacks. The lessons learned can help direct the team going forward.
What went right in 2019
The biggest positive that can be taken from quarterback play in 2019 is that Kyle Allen proved he can be a dependable backup. He had an impressive stretch during a four-game winning streak, completing 65.6 percent of his passes and throwing seven touchdowns and zero interceptions.
Things turned for the worse after that, partly due to poor offensive line play and injuries on the line as well, but Allen was still able to hold his own most of the year. He showed he could be a competent starter, at times, and was able to keep the team alive against good opponents in hostile environments (at New Orleans, and Lambeau Field in the snow). Those efforts shouldn’t be forgotten because of how things unfolded in the second half.
What went wrong in 2019
The Panthers couldn’t get consistent quarterback play. Newton’s numbers in the first two games can be ignored because of injury and after Allen’s first four games, he put together some performances that were memorable for the wrong reasons.
Before the Panthers turned to rookie quarterback Will Grier the final two games of the year, Allen led a 1-7 streak during which he completed just 60.7 percent of his throws and threw 10 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. He also lost seven fumbles and was sacked 45 times. That’s an average of more than five sacks per game, which the offensive line and the team getting down early in games (forcing Carolina to pass more often) undoubtedly contributed to. But Allen’s decision-making was questionable at times and he forced the ball often, which resulted in multiple red-zone interceptions.
Grier ended up only playing a game and a quarter after getting injured in the season finale vs. the Saints. He completed 53.8 percent of passes for 228 yards, threw four interceptions and was sacked six times. The rookie was thrown behind the offensive line at its worst state of the year and played mostly without the team’s number one receiving weapon in DJ Moore, who suffered a concussion in the Week 16 game vs. the Colts.
There’s not enough of a sample size, given the situation, to say definitively whether he was ready.
Under contract (2)
Cam Newton* (One year left on contract, $21.1M): Every indication has been that if Newton can recover from his December surgery on his left foot and be fully healthy when it comes to his shoulder and all other areas, he and the Panthers would like him in Carolina. General manager Marty Hurney and new head coach Matt Rhule acknowledged the value of having a league MVP quarterback on the roster. The biggest question is and will continue to be his health.
Will Grier ( Second season of 4-year, $3,852,996 contract): Grier didn’t get a lot of opportunities in his rookie season with his second start ending early due to injury. How much he progresses in Year 2 will be important for his future.
Free agents (1)
Kyle Allen*: Allen is an exclusive rights free agent this year, meaning the Panthers can either offer him a deal and he’ll accept or he will become a free agent. Because he’s an undrafted player entering just the third year of his career, Allen will come cheap for Carolina and be a good bargin.
* — Denotes 2019 starter
Offseason needs
Leave this as a big question mark for now. The Panthers have multiple options.
If Newton is healthy, ready and willing to play on his one-year deal, they don’t need to address the position. His $21.1 million cap hit is low for a starting quarterback at his level, so keeping him on the roster makes all the sense in the world. The Panthers should also sign Allen to a new deal (he is an exclusive rights free agent) and move on. He has shown that he can be a strong backup and the team used a third-round pick on Grier last year. There’s no need to waste another high draft pick when there are so many other holes on the team, especially since the best quarterback options most likely won’t still be there at the seventh overall pick.
If Newton is unhealthy or if there is uncertainty about his contract or injuries, the Panthers will look at what the market would be to trade him. They can save $19.1 million by not having him on the roster, which is a lot if he does not play all 16 games. Carolina will also explore the free-agent market; however, while releasing Newton is a possible scenario, it seems to be the least likely.
Drafting a quarterback with the seventh pick is an option as well. Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has a chance to drop because of his injury and Oregon’s Justin Herbert will also be explored. Unfortunately for the Panthers, LSU quarterback Joe Burrow will likely be snatched away with the first overall pick in the draft.
