Carolina Panthers training camp: 5 key battles to watch

Carolina Panthers camp battle No. 4: Will Grier vs P.J. Walker (QB)

Teddy Bridgewater was the man chosen to lead the Carolina Panthers in 2020 and possibly beyond. The organization gave him a three-year, $63 million deal with a $15 million signing bonus, and $33 million guaranteed this offseason. And the move also resulted in iconic signal-caller Cam Newton being released.

While Bridgewater is cemented as the team’s No. 1 option, the battle for the primary backup role is going to be something to monitor closely at training camp. Will Grier and P.J. Walker will fight it out for the No. 2 spot. And with no preseason games to get valuable time under center, who impresses during team drills will secure the role.

Grier was simply not ready for the field in 2019. The rookie looked flustered in the pocket behind a woeful offensive line. And just how much of an adverse effect this had on his confidence remains to be seen.

The former third-round pick faces a stern test of his credentials at camp thanks to the acquisition of Walker. The signal-caller has worked with Matt Rhule before. And he returns to the NFL riding on the crest of a wave following a superb stint in the XFL that saw him enter the MVP discussion before the league disbanded.

Bridgewater’s leg injury will always remain a slight doubt. So it is important that the Panthers make sure that the person they pick as their No. 2 option is ready, willing, and able.