CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It's not just time to sit Cam Newton for the rest of the season. It's time for the Carolina Panthers to consider a potential long-term replacement for their franchise quarterback in free agency or the NFL draft.
The uncertainty surrounding lingering problems with Newton's right shoulder raises many questions that go beyond Carolina's six-game losing streak and 1 percent chance to make the playoffs. If the 2015 NFL MVP has to have a second shoulder surgery in less than two years, what are the long-term implications? Does he miss an entire season as Indianapolis Colts quarterback Andrew Luck did in 2017 after having a similar surgery?