Panthers Reportedly Leaning Towards Trading Cam Newton if He's Healthy Enough to Be Dealt

The question everyone in Charlotte has right now is if Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton will be back with the team next campaign as the starter. As of this time, that's looking increasingly less likely.

With new head coach Matt Rhule taking over for the departed Ron Rivera, the Panthers look like they're about to embark on a full rebuild. Whether or not Newton gets traded, however, rests with whether or not he's healthy this spring, NFL insider Ian Rapoport notes.

Until Newton is healthy, though, it'd obviously have teams hesitant in pursuing him for a blockbuster trade. The Panthers believe Newton's surgically-repaired foot will allow him to participate in some activities by March.

With the NFL Draft right around the corner, it could help the Panthers look to get picks in exchange for Newton. If he's still sidelined, that could put the kibosh on that sort of plan.

Only time will tell how serious the interest will be in Newton from other teams in the coming months. At this point, it sure looks like he'll be playing elsewhere come September.