Cam Newton's Health Means Panthers Won't Chase New QB, Ron Rivera Says

Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera said he does not expect the team to pursue a veteran quarterback with Cam Newton recovering well from offseason shoulder surgery.

"Right now, we're very pleased with where we are in terms of our quarterback position," Rivera told reporters Thursday. "We're very satisfied in what we got at the end of the year in both Taylor [Heinicke] and Kyle [Allen]. Both guys showed their ability.

"If we did do anything, it would probably be in the draft. Developing that guy is important. But we really do feel strongly about the guys we have."

Newton, 29, missed two games and dealt with shoulder issues throughout the 2018 season. He underwent arthroscopic surgery in January.

"From what I've gotten in reports, Cam's progress has been very good," Rivera said. "He's been getting all his workouts in. Just knowing that gives you a little bit of confidence going forward."

Allen is under contract for $495,000 next season. Heinicke is a restricted free agent. Allen threw for 228 yards and two touchdowns in a Week 17 win over the New Orleans Saints, while Heinicke threw three picks and struggled in a Week 16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.

Newton has missed only five games in his NFL career despite playing through numerous nicks and bruises. The free-agent market for quarterbacks is shallow, and the Panthers understandably are understandably wary of investing in a position where a guy may never see the field.

Carolina's season is dependent on the health of Newton regardless of who the team employs as his backup. So it makes a little bit of sense to go all-in on him being healthy.