Report: Panthers called Eagles regarding Gardner Minshew trade

The Carolina Panthers reportedly called the Philadelphia Eagles regarding a potential trade for Gardner Minshew before signing Cam Newton.

It’s been quite the quarterback carousel for the Carolina Panthers since Matt Rhule took over as head coach. Cam Newton‘s release was followed by Teddy Bridgewater lasting just one year and Sam Darnold’s struggles after a promising three-game start left the organization with no option other than to bring the former NFL MVP back into the fold to potentially ignite their playoff hopes.

This hasn’t come to fruition. Newton’s found life difficult over the last two games, which isn’t entirely unexpected with little knowledge of the playbook, a terrible offensive line, and even a coordinator change following the dismissal of Joe Brady.

However, one recent report from NFL Network’s insider Ian Rappaport claims the Panthers targeted another signal-caller before eventually deciding to bring Newton back.

Carolina Panthers explored potential Gardner Minshew trade before signing Cam Newton.

According to Rappaport’s sources, Carolina called the Philadelphia Eagles to enquire about the availability and asking price surrounding Gardner Minshew, who the team acquired from the Jacksonville Jaguars to backup Jalen Hurts.

Minshew performed well overall in Jacksonville before the organization landed Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall selection, but a strong showing for the Eagles in Week 13 means that more than a few teams will be targeting the player this offseason, per Rappaport.

"Sources say during the season, the Carolina Panthers spoke with Philly about Minshew, discussing what the compensation would be. They never dug deep on a possible trade, but they did discuss what it might take. The Panthers called before they acquired Matt Barkley and before they signed Cam Newton. Given the way Minshew played, they won’t be alone."

Although the Panthers didn’t dig deep, it was a sign that more quarterback moves are likely to be made this offseason. Whether that’s moving on from Darnold, Newton, and P.J. Walker all at the same time, drafting a prospect at the position from a less than stellar class, or looking at possible trade options, nobody can say for sure at the present moment.

How Newton performs over the next four games will go a long way to determining which way Carolina goes. But the sooner something gets sorted long-term, the better the Panthers’ chances will be.

Whether those in power make the correct decision is a million-dollar question.

Their evaluation of the position so far has left a lot to be desired. Passing on the promising duo of Mac Jones and Justin Fields during the 2021 NFL Draft is also a decision that’s coming back to haunt them.

Minshew might be an upgrade on anything Carolina has right now. But whether the former sixth-round pick has enough in his locker to take the Panthers where they want to go is another matter.

The Panthers obviously like Minshew.

Otherwise, they wouldn’t have made the call in the first place.

But sacrificing more draft capital for a player that may or may not work out is a major gamble. And the compensation’s only gone up following his impressive display against the New York Jets.