For the first time since Cam Newton broke into the NFL as a record-setting rookie in 2011, the Carolina Panthers quarterback will have a new backup.
Panthers coach Ron Rivera confirmed Tuesday what had long been assumed (since Derek Anderson was not re-signed in free agency): The No. 2 QB is expected to come from the group of young passers working behind Newton during OTAs.
That list is led by Garrett Gilbert and Taylor Heinicke and also includes undrafted free agent Kyle Allen. Allen, the former Texas A&M and Houston QB, clearly is farther down the list.