Make the right call on Cam Newton

This is the biggest challenge for Rhule as he takes over the Panthers. Normally, having a quarterback who has won an MVP award is a good starting point for any new coach. But Newton is a little different. He’s dealt with shoulder and foot injuries the last two seasons and has been a shell of himself when he has played. Can Newton get back to full health? That’s something Rhule and Hurney have to decide quickly.

If they don’t believe Newton can be the player he once was, the prudent thing would be to trade of cut him. Newton has a $21 million salary cap figure for this year. But the Panthers would save $19 million in cap room if they trade or cut Newton.

That once would have seemed unfathomable. But, under Tepper, there are no more sacred cows in Carolina. Tepper doesn’t care about the past. He cares about the present and he wants to win right now.

 

Pat Yasinskas has covered the NFL since 1993. He has worked for The Tampa Tribune, The Charlotte Observer and ESPN.com and writes for numerous national magazines and websites. He also has served as a voter for the Pro Football Hall of Fame.