Joe Burrow a risk Carolina Panthers may be willing to take
Will Joe Burrow quarterback the Carolina Panthers next season?
Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper has already proven he’s not going to play by what could be deemed “traditional” NFL rules. Parting ways from the most successful coach in franchise history, Ron Rivera, signaled the time for change was now. After revamping the front office alignment in his first year, the first-time majority owner is now shuffling football operations following back-to-back losing seasons.
Quarterback Joe Burrow is widely regarded as the No. 1 overall pick but his willingness to join the Cincinnati Bengals remains to be seen. Should Burrow elect to do his best Eli Manning impersonation on draft day, the Panthers may be set to pounce. Drafting another quarterback, first-overall, would serve as a definite sign Cam Newton is on the way out, if no decision on his future has been reached by that time.
While the Panthers could trade up for the No. 1 spot, it would take a significant amount of picks and personnel. Newton could be part of this deal but may also be used to recoup some of the draft haul that would be necessary in order to acquire Burrow. While there are plenty of other issues currently on the Panthers roster – offensive line and the defense, opportunities to land a potential franchise quarterback also don’t come along often.
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Essentially trading an aging Newton for an unproven rookie would be met with mixed reviews from the fan base but Tepper is already laying the groundwork for such a move. If Carolina doesn’t pursue Burrow, the future at quarterback remains unclear but the contract awarded to new coach Matt Rhule is set up for long-term success.
Establishing a history for rebuilding programs, Rhule was given a seven-year deal as a rookie coach in the NFL – another example of how Tepper is rocking the boat among owners. Getting him a quarterback, who just so happened to play for new offensive coordinator Joe Brady, during college may all be part of Tepper’s plan.
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Is it a risk, sure, but did Tepper also make billions taking chances and seeing them pan out in his favor – absolutely.