CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- Cam Newton understands that the Carolina Panthers likely will draft a quarterback for the first time since he was the first overall pick in 2011 as short-term insurance in case there is a setback from his second shoulder surgery in three offseasons.
There also are long-term implications, as only this season and next are left on Newton’s contract as he approaches age 30 next month.
Newton admitted as much in a recent YouTube video.
"I’m coming off surgery on my shoulder and there’s a lot of people that are kind of counting me out," Newton said.