Carolina Panthers: Cam Newton trade value unknown

If traded, what could the Carolina Panthers expect in return for quarterback Cam Newton?

Cam Newton has been the Carolina Panthers quarterback for his entire career. During that time, he’s led the team through their most successful string of seasons in franchise history – winning three divisional titles, making four playoff appearances and playing in Super Bowl 50 just five seasons ago.

That year (2015) Newton won the league MVP award, adding to his personal collection of hardware to go along with Offensive Player of the Year (2015), Rookie of the Year (2011), a first team All Pro (2015) and three Pro Bowl nominations (2011, 2013, 2015). Revolutionizing the quarterback position, Newton entered the league with rookie head coach Ron Rivera alongside but the latter will not be returning next season.

Second-year owner David Tepper elected to move in a new direction following two consecutive losing seasons. He’s hired former Baylor coach Matt Rhule and after restructuring the front office over the course of his first two years in ownership, Tepper is now reconfiguring the football aspect of his operation. One such move is to consider trading Newton this offseason, allowing Rhule to begin his professional coaching career with a hand-picked quarterback to work around.

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Former Panthers legend Jordan Gross believes this move would make things easier on Rhule and could potentially  be a win-win for both parties involved. However, if traded exactly what could the Panthers expect in return for Newton? He’s undoubtedly one of the best in the game, when healthy, but after playing in only two games last season and missing the final two a year prior, his health is a major concern.

For this reason, the Panthers may only get a third-round pick in return for their superstar. General manager Marty Hurney could also pair the move with other options in order to develop a package deal. Currently owners of the seventh overall pick this year, pairing this first-round selection with Newton could possibly allow the team an opportunity to move up in the draft.

If not, the pool of quarterbacks entering free agency this offseason is quite impressive. Depending on the plan Hurney, Rhule and Tepper have developed, this may also be a viable option for the Panthers.

Opposite, keeping Newton for the final year of his contract or signing him to an extension should also be considered.