4 options the Carolina Panthers have with Cam Newton in 2022
By Dean Jones
Cam Newton signs a two-year deal and becomes the bridge QB
There doesn’t appear to be a genuine superstar coming out of the college ranks at quarterback next spring. One could pick holes in many of the top prospects, so the Carolina Panthers would be taking a big risk by taking a signal-caller in the first round when there are some other prominent positions that need to be filled.
This becomes even more glaring when one considers the Panthers don’t have a Day 2 pick currently. Although this is something general manager Scott Fitterer will no doubt aim to rectify by potentially trading down in the first.
Giving Cam Newton a two-year contract extension this offseason allows them to strengthen problem areas with a veteran “bridge” quarterback that can ease in the new era.
Just who that’s going to be for is another matter.
The 2023 NFL Draft class looks far stronger at quarterback, so the Panthers could take one early and have them sit behind Newton with a view to taking over from the iconic player somewhere down the line.
Newton still has plenty of life in his talents judging by the last three games. And there would be nobody better for an aspiring prospect to learn from in this scenario.
It’s also a long-term plan Carolina didn’t have when the new regime chose Teddy Bridgewater, released Newton, and traded for Sam Darnold just one year later.