The Carolina Panthers decided to take a plunge into the undrafted free agent waters for a quarterback, and they came away with former Louisiana Tech star QB Colby Cameron, according to a tweet from Associated Press Panthers beat writer Steve Reed. Cameron set a record for the most consecutive passes without a pick last season and makes up for a severe lack of arm strength with impeccable accuracy. I mean, Cameron was easily one of the most accurate quarterbacks to come out of college this year, as he posted a 68.6% completion percentage with 31 touchdowns to just five interceptions last season.
Oct 13, 2012; Shreveport, LA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs quarterback Colby Cameron (10) looks to throw during the game against the Texas A
Cameron was on fire at Louisiana Tech last season, and he and Quinton Patton created a dynamic QB-WR duo. It will be interesting to see how Cameron fits into Carolina’s plans as a backup, because he could earn himself a spot on the 53-man roster. The Panthers could also decide to place him on the practice squad, and it might come down to how they view their two current backups.
Cam Newton‘s backups are currently former second-round bust Jimmy Clausen and Derek Anderson, who was the one-year wonder in Cleveland hand-picked by former offensive coordinator Rob Chudzinski to come to Carolina and be his primary backup QB. To me, Clausen is clearly the odd-man out, and I think he ends up on the chopping block if the Panthers like Cameron enough to put him on the roster. Cameron has excellent athleticism, but I have a feeling the Panthers will keep him stashed away on the practice squad and maintain the status quo with their two backups.
Reed also added in his tweet that the Panthers have signed 12 other undrafted free agents, so it will be interesting to see if any other notable names pop up.
You can follow Joe Soriano on Twitter for more NFL updates and analysis @SorianoJoe.