While the NFL offseason is just beginning and much is expected to change across the NFL this summer, Cam Newton is now likely to remain with the Carolina Panthers for the 2020 season as their starting quarterback.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Panthers are moving forward with Newton as their starting quarterback with a growing belief he will be healthy for the upcoming season.
While team owner David Tepper seemingly questioned Newton’s health early in the offseason, the team is confident in his recovery to this point. Furthermore, new head coach Matt Rhule has been impressed by Newton’s work ethic and push to get healthy and back into his top form, per Rapoport. The 30-year-old quarterback has spent a lot of time in the area and is seemingly working his way back into Carolina’s plans.
Of course, things can always change quickly. The Panthers have reportedly explored moving up to the No. 1 overall pick, which would almost certainly be for a quarterback, and Newton would attract plenty of trade interest if he fully recovers from foot surgery.
Newton played in just two games this past season, but posted a 04.2 quarterback rating with 28 total touchdowns in 2018. A three-time Pro Bowl selection and the NFL MVP winner in 2015, Newton carries a $21 million cap hit in his final season under contract.