While the Carolina Panthers are prepared to move forward with Cam Newton as their starter next season, they are also thinking about the future. The Panthers have not only looked into trading up for the No. 1 overall pick this year, but they could also have their eye on next year’s quarterback class.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Carolina’s front office is intrigued by the 2021 quarterback class and it’s one of the reasons they are ready to bring Newton back for the 2020 season.
The 2021 quarterback class is headlined by Clemson Tigers quarterback Trevor Lawrence and Ohio State Buckeyes quarterback Justin Fields. Both players shined this past season and have shown the potential to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.
We’ve previously discussed the possibility of the Panthers potentially target Lawrence next season. While the 20-year-old quarterback isn’t as polished as a quarterback prospect, he offers more exciting tools than Joe Burrow.
Carolina could allow Newton to return for the 2020 season and see how far this team can go. If he can’t stay healthy or the team struggles, the Panthers can make an aggressive push to move up in the 2021 NFL Draft to land Lawrence or Fields.