2019 Offseason moves that reveal direction of the Carolina Panthers

OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Bruce Irvin #51 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after a play against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - DECEMBER 03: Bruce Irvin #51 of the Oakland Raiders reacts after a play against the New York Giants during their NFL game at Oakland-Alameda County Coliseum on December 3, 2017 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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New Orleans Saints v Carolina Panthers
CHARLOTTE, NC – DECEMBER 17: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images) /

Facing the realities

Listen, I don’t believe that Cam Newton’s job is or has been in danger. I still believe that, when healthy, Cam Newton is an MVP-caliber quarterback that is more than capable of winning a Super Bowl. Regardless, the NFL has never seen a quarterback with a physical play style quite like Newton ever reach this level of success. Which leads to the question that has always been in the back of our minds: How sustainable is Cam Newton?

The hope is that Cam finds a way to extend his career competitively a la Philip Rivers and Ben Roethlisberger, but the reality is that the Panthers may need to face a future without Newton at the helm sooner than later.

The Will Grier pick is important. Grier has the talent to be a decent quarterback in this league if properly developed. He will have that opportunity to develop behind a former MVP while also providing insurance in the case that said MVP either isn’t ready to go by kickoff weekend or gets banged up again along the way.

It’s a gut-wrenching reality, but we will see over the next two season if Cam Newton is able to sustain his normal level of play after taking such a beating throughout his career. My money’s on Cam, but in the case that the Panthers need to move on, they’ve initiated a more smooth exit plan. Whether you like it or not, a smooth exit plan is in the team’s best interest.