The Carolina Panthers are heading into the NFL offseason with an intriguing situation at quarterback. Cam Newton is rehabbing from an injury and the process is seemingly going well. However, there are questions about how good he will be when he does come back.
Matt Rhule and company have thrown support behind Newton this offseason. Even with that support, there is speculation that the Panthers could still trade him and bring in another quarterback.
CBS Sports has made their predictions for what the Panthers will end up doing. They have Carolina trading Newton to the Los Angeles Chargers and signing Jameis Winston to replace him.
If you’re the Panthers, adding Winston as a bridge quarterback would make some sense, because it would allow the Panthers to draft someone without being forced to start them in 2020. If the rookie is good enough to start, then Winston can serve as a backup and leave Carolina after the 2020 season.
Winston may not be the long-term option for the Panthers, but he would have a chance to prove himself. If he ends up in Carolina and cuts down his turnover numbers, the Panthers could end up keeping him even if the rookie is ready to play.
Last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Winston put together a massive season. He completed 60.7 percent of his pass attempts for 5,109 yards and 33 touchdowns. Unfortunately, he also threw 30 interceptions.
There is no denying the potential that Winston possesses and the numbers he is capable of putting up. His decision-making is where the questions begin. If Winston can improve that area of his game, he has the chance to be a superstar.
Expect to see the Panthers continue listening to offers on Newton. If they do trade him, names like Winston and Teddy Bridgewater could come into play.
