The most notable move this offseason for the Panthers was the messy release of former MVP quarterback Cam Newton. The new era in Carolina under coach Matt Rhule features a new starting quarterback: Teddy Bridgewater.

Although Bridgewater is known as a game manager and Pro Football Focus recently ranked him among the fourth tier of QBs in the league, it’s clear he has the starting job locked down after spending the last two seasons as the backup for Drew Brees with the Saints. 

Who will now back Bridgewater up is still an open queston, though. Let’s take a look at some of the options the Panthers have behind him.

Will Grier

Grier (6-foot-1, 220 pounds) has some experience as a starter, serving as QB1 in two games late last season. The 2019 third-round pick did not impress though, as Grier threw for 228 yards, four interceptions and no touchdowns. These atrocious performances resulted in a 33.2 passer rating, the lowest of any NFL player with at least 22 pass attempts. 

The anticipation for Grier coming out of the draft was valid, though. In 2018 at West Virginia, Grier finished fourth in Heisman voting behind eventual No. 1 overall pick Kyler Murray, Tua Tagovailoa and Dwayne Haskins. His outstanding senior season earned him the Big 12 lead in passing touchdowns per game (3.4), passing yards per game and completions per game, all of which ranked within the Top 10 in the nation.

Although his pro career got off to a rocky start, Grier still has time to develop his potential. If he doesn’t win this battle, he should be a candidate for one of the team’s four protected practice squad spots.