NFL Notes: Panthers, Patriots & Rams

Panthers

Panthers HC Ron Rivera explained that they discussed the possibility of taking Blaine Gabbert over Cam Newton back in 2011.

“Remember, we had the No. 1 pick, and we were talking quarterback,” Rivera said,via the Mercury News. “And it came down to Cam Newton and Blaine Gabbert. Those were the two guys we targeted and looked at, and looked at really, really hard.

“I got to interview both guys (Gabbert and Colin Kaepernick), and we really studied Blaine,” Rivera said. “I can see where Blaine could really capture the (locker) room. He’s likable. He’s high energy. Big effort. Not satisfied.

“We spent a lot of time on him, we really did.”

Patriots

• Ben Volin of the Boston Globe mentions that the recent four-year, $38 million extension signed by Raiders CB David Amerson could be a good comparable deal for the Patriots and CB Malcolm Butler.

Rams

• Vincent Bonsignore reports that Rams S T.J. McDonald‘s availability for training camp is still to be determined, as he could receive discipline from the NFL.
• McDonald was arrested for DUI back in May for allegedly crashed into a parked car.