The Carolina Panthers are undergoing some dramatic changes. Now seems like a good time for a mailbag post to answer questions from fans.
Here are a few questions that were submitted from our Facebook page.
Dakota Austin asked: Is Cam Newton gonna be our quarterback or are they gonna trade him?
This is the million-dollar question facing the front office this year. For a long time, we have resisted the idea of trading or cutting Newton and still believe he’s the team’s best chance to win games in 2020.
That being said, we have to recognize that the franchise is beginning a major rebuild, here. Ron Rivera’s exit, Luke Kuechly’s retirement and a slew of new coaches coming in means that everything is going to be re-evaluated, even the most valuable piece on the roster.
Newton was a legitimate MVP not too long ago and he is still capable of playing quarterback at a high level, as he proved in the first half of the 2018 season before his shoulder injury. And yet, he’s now 30 years old and the chances that his best football is ahead of him are low. On some levels, it makes sense to start over with a younger QB.
As of right now, we believe Newton will be the starter Week 1. However, we no longer feel very confident about that projection. If he is traded, it would not come as a shock.
Patricia Chapman asked: Are you going to draft a quarterback as backup?
The vast majority of sportswriters don’t get hired as NFL general managers – Marty Hurney is the exception to that rule. So, we probably won’t be drafting anybody. As for the Panthers, if they are going to pick a quarterback, it likely won’t be a backup but a potential new franchise QB. Kyle Allen isn’t a starter. However, he’s a decent No. 2 option and there’s no reason not to keep him around.
As for potential QB1 candidates, there is some speculation about the team trying to trade up to No. 1 in order to pick Joe Burrow, who played for offensive coordinator Joe Brady at LSU. We think this team has too many holes to give up the amount of draft capital it would take to pull it off, though. The best fit outside of Burrow would likely be Tua Tagovailoa, but there’s no guarantee he will be there at No. 7, either. Justin Herbert and Jalen Hurts should also be on the team’s radar if they are considering a QB.
Jase K Alston asked: Why did Tepper decide to retain Hurney?
Excellent question. Based on what Tepper said during the coaching transition, it’s clear he trusts Hurney’s judgment when it comes to evaluating college talent. Tepper called him one of the best in that area.
It’s true Hurney has an impressive track record of finding stars in the first round, but there’s more to the job than that. His history after the first round is not as impressive and includes busts like Rashaan Gaulden. Hurney has also taken fair criticism for his management of the salary cap in the past.
Keeping Hurney around could be holding this franchise back from making a clean break with the Rivera era. We know they wanted to interview Eagles executive Andrew Berry. However, since the position they’re offering would have been a lateral move, Philadelphia was able to block the interview. Dysfunctional as they are, the Browns now appear to have Berry locked up as their new general manager.
Alfonso Cee asked: Who should we sign in free agency?
The Panthers are projected to have around $25 million in cap space next year, which is enough to make at least a couple of splash moves. Unfortunately, there are a ton of roster holes that have to be filled. They particularly need help at cornerback and along the defensive line.
We’ve already identified a few potential targets. Jadeveon Clowney is the dream signing but that’s probably an unrealistic hope. There are also a number of solid defensive tackles to pick from, such as D.J. Reader and Javon Hargrave. For the secondary, we like Bradley Roby, Anthony Harris and Logan Ryan.
On offense, wide receiver Robby Anderson played for Matt Rhule at Temple and would make an excellent fit for what they need. They may also need to replace Greg Olsen at tight end, in which case Eric Ebron would make for a good target. As for the offensive line, there won’t be many options out there. Brandon Scherff and Joe Thuney are the top guards, though.
Alan McCosley asked: Is Luke coming to coach?
Only Kuechly really knows the answer. For what it’s worth, we believe he will. Just days after he announced his retirement, there were reports that he has interest in a new role with the Panthers. We also know he lobbied for Al Holcomb to return, who was formerly the team’s linebackers coach and was recently hired as their new run defense coordinator. Kuechly may want a chance to work with him as an assistant.
Matt Rhule seems to like the idea, as well. He told SiriusXM in an interview last week that he hopes he can convince Kuechly to join his staff at some point. Kuechly may need some time off from the game but he can’t seem to keep himself away, either. It’s probably only a matter of time before the Panthers hire him in some capacity.
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