Carolina Panthers: 4 most disappointing QBs in franchise history
By Dean Jones
Scouting Report. player. 87. Pick Analysis. QB. CAROLINA PANTHERS. JEFFLEWIS. 2
Carolina Panthers Player No. 2: Jeff Lewis (QB)
The Carolina Panthers struck out in no uncertain terms with their move for Jeff Lewis. The quarterback managed to pick up two Super Bowl rings backing up John Elway with the Denver Broncos. And he did enjoy a standout college career with Northern Arizona before becoming a fourth-round pick.
For some unbeknown reason, the Panthers thought Lewis might bring this success to Carolina. And they gave up two draft picks in order to acquire the player in 1999.
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This resulted in the signal-caller playing a handful of games during his initial two years with the franchise. But a bold move in 2001 continues to be a head-scratcher to this day.
Starter Steve Beuerlein was released by the Panthers to move Lewis into the starting job. This was a terrible decision and one that would cost Carolina dearly.
Lewis was simply not up to the task of replacing such a popular figure as Beuerlein. And this is something that was there for all to see from his first preseason under center.
He did not last much longer with the organization as Lewis was released to make room for Chris Weinke on the roster. Lewis tried to make another go of things with the New Orleans Saints to no avail. And he eventually made his way to the free-agent scrapheap permanently in 2003.
A spell in coaching followed for Lewis. But his life came to a tragic end aged 39 when he was found dead of an accidental drug overdose in 2013 after he was diagnosed with a heart condition.