The Carolina Panthers are in the mix for a playoff spot in 2019, but they'll have quite the decision to make in 2020. According to Ian Rapoport, Carolina could extend Kyle Allen's contract this offseason or could have his exclusive rights until 2022.
Following Carolina's loss in Week 2 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Cam Newton has been sidelined with a foot injury. After resting for a few weeks in hopes he could return, the Panthers placed their longtime franchise quarterback on injured reserve.
While Newton has been out with injury, Allen has stepped in and done a remarkable job in his place. The second-year quarterback has led the Panthers to a 5-1 record and has nine touchdowns and 1,291 yards.
Due to Allen's surprising play from under center, Carolina will have to decide what they want to do at the quarterback position this offseason. In the event that the Panthers go with Allen, they could trade Newton to a team in need of a quarterback.
In addition, the team could choose to extend Allen's contract already due to his fascinating contract situation. Since Allen spent most of 2018 on Carolina's practice squad, he has only accrued one NFL season.
That means that he was essentially cut off of his rookie contract and that Panthers could re-sign him sooner than the other quarterbacks from the 2018 draft class. Also, Allen is a cheaper option than Newton and Carolina has the rights to Allen through 2022.
The undrafted quarterback out of Houston is only due to make $495,000 and is an exclusive-rights free agent in 2020. On the other hand, Newton will cost $16.2 million in 2019 and $18.6 million for the Panthers.
While Newton's numbers aren't outrageous in today's NFL, the Panthers could choose to have another team pay his price tag by trading him. Regardless of what they do, this offseason will be an important one for Carolina.
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