New Carolina Panthers owner David Tepper is not one to beat around the bush. He’s been much more open than disgraced former Panthers owner Jerry Richardson.
Sometimes that can be seen as an issue. This is one of those times.
In talking about injured former NFL MVP Cam Newton’s status with the Panthers, Tepper offered up a rather interesting take. It included a question he should already have the answer to.
Newton missed all but two games this past season with a Lisfranc injury. That came after he underwent off-season shoulder surgery. How in the world do the Panthers not know if their starting quarterback is healthy?
The backdrop here is Carolina having reportedly already placed Newton on the trade block. Recent suggestions conclude that he will be traded some time in March.
We have no idea if the hiring of former Baylor head coach Matt Rhule changes the dynamic here. What we do know is that Rhule himself has not exactly been open about the process.
Newton, 30, is entering the final year of his contract. He’s set to count $21.1 million against the cap.
Based on what Tepper had to say, Newton will be collecting that check with another team.