Garrett Gilbert finished the 2018 NFL season as quarterback of the Carolina Panthers. He began training camp as backup to Cam Newton but ultimately was released after both Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen proved capable of filling the role.
After serving as a reserve option, behind Newton and Derek Anderson, in 2017 it was expected that Gilbert would continue in his role but the surprise play and additions of both Heinicke and Allen changed the quarterback landscape.
Once Newton was sidelined with a shoulder injury, Heinicke was inserted into the starting role.