CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The decision to go with only two quarterbacks for the first time since 2013 is perhaps the best indication that the Carolina Panthers are confident quarterback Cam Newton’s surgically-repaired shoulder won’t be an issue.
The Panthers on Saturday released Joe Webb and Garrett Gilbert, electing to keep only Newton and backup quarterback Derek Anderson on the 53-man roster.
Webb has been the third-string quarterback since the 2014 season. His value as a wide receiver and special-teams player also kept him around.
The Panthers made a decision to keep six wide receivers -- Kelvin Benjamin, Devin Funchess, Russell Shepard, Curtis Samuel, Damiere Byrd and Kaelin Clay, and basically seven when counting first-round pick Christian McCaffrey and his ability to play receiver and running back -- so there really wasn’t a spot for Webb.