What will Cam Newton bring Panthers in a trade?
The Panthers have given Cam Newton and his representatives permission to pursue a trade. What can Carolina get for their talented signal caller?
Any Panthers fans expecting to see their team get a massive haul in a trade for Cam Newton need to quickly recalibrate their expectations. The team’s former franchise quarterback will not be valuable on the trade market to meaningfully kick-start the team’s rebuilding process.
Newton and his representatives have permission for the franchise to scour the league for a potential landing spot for the former Auburn star. That doesn’t mean the Panthers are required to agree to a deal that Newton brings to them, but it does send a clear signal that Matt Rhule and his coaching staff are willing to proceed without the former MVP.
There was a time when dealing Newton would have brought back a king’s ransom in draft capital for the Panthers. That was before injuries robbed the star quarterback of most of his last two seasons. The medical uncertainty regarding Newton’s availability in 2020 and beyond is going to drastically reduce his value around the league.
The question the Panthers need to answer is what they’re willing to accept in exchange for Newton’s services. The franchise may put it out there publicly that they are looking for a first rounder, but that’s not going to happen. Carolina must be realistic with its trade demands if it want sto resolve the situation amicably.
That means the Panthers must be willing to accept a pretty mediocre draft asset in a trade for the former MVP. The franchise should focus on acquiring a middle-round pick with some upside if Newton is able to stay on the field for the majority of the 2020 campaign.
The best-case scenario for the Panthers will be a Day 2 selection with some sweeteners around it. That return isn’t going to satisfy a fan base that’s staring a long and painful rebuild in the face, but it’s the best the Panthers can do.
The other potential benefit to Carolina in this sort of deal is the increase in salary cap space it would cause. Newton is currently slated to count for $21.1 million against the team’s cap in 2020. Clearing that space could allow the Panthers to be a little more aggressive in either free agency or locking up some of their younger core players to team friendly extensions.
Next. Panthers should trade Christian McCaffrey at peak value. dark
In the end, Panthers fans should prepare to be underwhelmed at the return their favorite team will receive for Newton. His name value far outweighs his trade value at this point in his career.