ESPN.com · Mar 8, 2019
Two homegrown products could be Panthers' backup QB targets
CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- The biggest news out of the NFL combine for the Carolina Panthers was the statement by coach Ron Rivera that the team won’t be in the market for a veteran quarterback to back up Cam Newton when free agency begins next week.
That means they’re confident the 2015 NFL MVP will recover in time to start the season after undergoing surgery on his right shoulder for the second time in three offseasons.
The emphasis on finding a backup quarterback outside of Kyle Allen (under contract) and Taylor Heinicke (a restricted free agent) will be in the draft. The Panthers haven’t drafted a quarterback since selecting Newton with the top pick in 2011.