VIDEO: David Tepper's Vague Responses About Cam Newton's Status Indicate QB is Likely Done With Panthers
By Michael Luciano
Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton played in just two games last season, and his contract makes it very easy for Matt Rhule to get rid of him and start fresh in 2020 with a new signal caller. Panthers owner David Tepper is clearly considering going forward with this plan, as he claims that he can't make a decision on Cam's long-term viability as the Panthers starter until he's healthy.
Dave Tepper, on Cam Newton - all comes down to health. Won’t make definitive statements until he knows about Cam’s health. Does not expand on timeline. Full comments: pic.twitter.com/3soTgdyagp
— Jourdan Rodrigue (@JourdanRodrigue) February 11, 2020
Not exactly a ringing endorsement.
Tepper did give Rhule, a guy who has a reputation for building teams into winners, a seven-year contract. Those interested in connecting the dots could deduce that Newton, who is still confident he will play in Carolina next year, is in line to be jettisoned so Rhule can have his pick of a new QB.
The flip side of that argument is the position held by Panthers legend and current Chargers linebacker Thomas Davis, who claims that Cam could be a steadying presence for a fanbase that is still reeling from a 5-11 season punctuated by the retirement of Luke Kuechly.
@ThomasDavisSDTM with some thoughts on Cam Newton. pic.twitter.com/DAHZd1lCjv
— John Ellis (@OnePantherPlace) February 11, 2020
Cam can still play when he's healthy, and he could get back to his Pro Bowl form under Joe Brady, but Rhule and Tepper could be ready to wash their hands of Newton and send the former MVP elsewhere as they turn the page in Carolina.