NFL Rumors: Cam Newton Future Fuzzy After 2019 Season Formally Ends

Cam Newton’s 2019-20 NFL season has come to an abrupt close. The Carolina Panthers placed the 30-year-old the injured reserve with his Lisfranc injury failing to show any notable improvement. This means Kyle Allen will quarterback the rest of the way.

The last time Newton was seen was way back during Week 2 against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Allen has since stepped up marvelously. This included winning five of their last six assignments, three via double-digit margins. Despite his impressive performance, pundits feel that the second half of the NFL season will more or less dictate his future. If he stays the course, the Panthers may consider him as the new starting QB of Carolina.

However, the Panthers may not immediately close the book on Newton. The 2015 NFL MVP still has a year left on his contract, the New York Times reported. Releasing Newton could save Carolina $19 million and let them incur only $2 million in dead money.

The decision on the fate of Newton is up in the air. The Panthers may hold out on that until after the 2019-20 NFL season.

Allen knows that he has big shoes to fill. When he got word of Newton’s fate, the backup quarterback praised Cam for being a great leader, TMZ Sports reported.

"I watched him lead and be a great teammate day in day out. Thank you for setting the example. We got you," he said.

Newton responded to Allen’s message, saying: "Here for you my killa!!"

The good thing about this exchange is that there seem to be no hard feelings between the two players. Allen could end up taking over from Newton if he continues to do well. Conversely, Allen could find himself out with a poor showing and if the Panthers opt to keep Newton.

As mentioned in a previous post, all signs pointed to Newton likely being taken out for the rest of this NFL season. Even if he would heal up, there is no telling how well he could play if head coach Ron Rivera opts to reinstate him. But then again, there is that risk that the Panthers season could sputter.

The Panthers face the Green Bay Packers on Nov. 10 at the Lambeau Field. Kick-off starts at 4:25 p.m. EST with the Packers favored to prevail.