After the Panthers drafted former West Virginia quarterback Will Grier last week, the team went out of its way to say what everyone already knew: Cam Newton is the starting quarterback.

When Grier was selected toward the bottom of the third round on Friday, speculation arose about Newton's future with Carolina. Even Grier himself, though, knows his place on the team.

“You do what is best for the team in all aspects,” Grier said Wednesday, via Steve Reed of the Associated Press. “That’s really what I am here to do is to support Cam and be there for him and push him and make him better and be there for anything he needs. But also, my job is to be ready to go when my name is called.”

Grier grew up in Davidson, North Carolina, just outside of Charlotte, and threw for 3,864 yards and 37 touchdowns with the Mountaineers  last season.  He was the first quarterback drafted by the Panthers since they selected Newton first overall in 2011.

Newton, who turns 30 later this month, is coming off shoulder surgery. The Panthers report Newton is showing more flexibility in his rehab, but he has yet to throw a pass.

Carolina is sure to try to develop the young Grier. However, whether he was drafted as an insurance policy for Newton's health, or potentially for leverage in future contract negotiations — a fall-back plan if they let Newton walk — is yet to be determined.

For now, though, this is still Newton's team. And Grier is ready to do all he can to support him.