Carolina Panthers 53-man roster projection surprises

Panthers 53-man roster projection surprises

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 24: Damiere Byrd #18 of the Carolina Panthers returns a kick for a touchdown against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the second quarter at Bank of America Stadium on December 24, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

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CHARLOTTE, NC – AUGUST 17: Cam Newton #1 and teammate Taylor Heinicke #6 of the Carolina Panthers react after a third quarter touchdown against the Miami Dolphins during the game at Bank of America Stadium on August 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Quarterback

Cam Newton, Taylor Heinicke, Garrett Gilbert

The Panthers moved quarterback Garrett Gilbert up to the roster last season for fear he would be plucked from the practice squad by another NFL team a la kicker, Harrison Butker. Entering as the front-runner to replace Derek Anderson and back up Cam Newton, Taylor Heinicke is given the nod here.

Further, keeping three quarterbacks would mean less depth at another position as most teams typically only carry two unless one can contribute elsewhere, similar to Joe Webb on special teams during his time in a Panthers uniform.

If the Panthers remain worried about Gilbert drawing interest on the practice squad, the only viable solution may be to carry three quarterbacks into the season.

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