Carolina Panthers: 5 offseason needs in 2019

CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers looks on against the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NC - DECEMBER 17: Cam Newton #1 of the Carolina Panthers looks on against the New Orleans Saints in the third quarter during their game at Bank of America Stadium on December 17, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images) /
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CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 23: Quarterback Taylor Heinicke #6 of the Carolina Panthers looks for a receiver against the Atlanta Falcons during a NFL game at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – DECEMBER 23: Quarterback Taylor Heinicke #6 of the Carolina Panthers looks for a receiver against the Atlanta Falcons during a NFL game at Bank of America Stadium on December 23, 2018 in Charlotte, North Carolina. (Photo by Ronald C. Modra/Sports Imagery/Getty Images) /

3. Cam Newton insurance

The organization certainly liked what they saw from Taylor Heinicke in his cameo last season, but there’s no way the franchise can head into 2019 with him as Newton’s primary backup. A better option must be acquired in the offseason.

The real question is how the Panthers should go about accomplishing that goal. They aren’t going to bring a veteran with aspirations of being a starter into the mix. Guys like Teddy Bridgewater are not going to come to Carolina just hoping Newton won’t be healthy. That type of player’s contract demands will also be outside of Hurney’s price range.

That means Carolina will need to find an upgrade via the draft or a lower tier of free agent. In a perfect world, the Panthers could zero in on a young player late in the draft who they believe has long-term starter potential. This might be a year or two early for the team to find Newton’s successor.

Instead, the most likely move will be to bring in a veteran who can at least give the Panthers a chance to stay afloat if Newton is forced to miss a few games. Let’s be clear, no one Carolina can get is going to make this team a Super Bowl contender if Newton is out for the year. The best the Panthers can hope for is to obtain a quality insurance policy.