Carolina Panthers: Will Grier provides great Cam Newton insurance

The Carolina Panthers used the 100th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft on quarterback Will Grier, who will be a terrific, young option behind Cam Newton.

Throughout the second half of the 2018 season, the health of quarterback Cam Newton was an issue for the Carolina Panthers. His shoulder was clearly not at 100 percent, which was confirmed when he missed the final two games of the regular season. Moreover, Newton also underwent arthroscopic surgery on that shoulder in January.

For all intents and purposes, it appears as if Newton should be on track to play the 2019 season. Having said that, the Panthers found themselves in a precarious position as they started to attack the 2019 NFL Draft. Given their backup quarterback situation prior to the draft, they needed to seriously think about addressing that position with a draft pick. They did so with the 100th-overall selection, nabbing Will Grier from West Virginia.

Grier is a polarizing prospect in many ways. There’s no denying his production in the Mountaineers’ high-octane offense, throwing for over 7,000 yards and over 70 touchdowns in his two seasons at the helm at West Virginia. However, scouts and analysts alike questioned his top-end arm strength and decision-making, which led to him falling to the end of the third round.

Having said that, what Grier has more value to the Panthers than perhaps to any other NFL team. Best-case scenario, Carolina doesn’t need Grier to see the field and Newton leads the way on offense. However, if Newton’s shoulder problems persist or if he succumbs to another injury, Grier is a player capable of stepping in and at least making the Panthers offense functional while also having some upside if he can develop.

Not only is that a great insurance policy for Newton, but it’s a significant upgrade over their other options. Both Taylor Heinicke and Kyle Allen saw snaps in relief of Newton last season and both players showed that they are not adequately suited to start in the NFL in any capacity. Grier’s presence now elevates the quality depth on the roster in a spot where the Panthers could very well need it.

Drafting Grier is not a sign that Cam Newton is done and that the Panthers are moving on. Anything saying remotely that is wholly hyperbolic. However, adding Grier to the roster does cover the backside of Carolina’s offense by giving them a viable backup option and contingency plan should things with Newton’s health take a turn for the worse.