NFC Notes: Panthers, Rams, Seahawks

Panthers

Panthers GM Marty Hurney was mum about QB Cam Newton‘s future in Carolina.

“He’s rehabbing, that’s all I can say,” Hurney told The Associated Press regarding Newton and his recovery from a foot injury.

Hurney also declined to comment on Newton’s recent comment that he’d “absolutely” be back in Carolina in 2020.

• Ian Rapoport explains that nothing matters until the Panthers know that Newton is healthy and can pass a physical.
• Rapoport believes the Panthers exploring potential trade options for Newton “makes the most sense” this offseason.
• Zach Gelb of CBS Sports Radio reports that the Panthers have hired Sean Padden as their Vice President of Football Operations.

Rams

• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes that another $10.5 million of Todd Gurley‘s contract will become fully guaranteed on March 20.
• There has already been speculation about Gurley’s future with the Rams and Florio notes that releasing him now would result in Los Angeles paying him $17.25 million over the next two years.
• Should the Rams hold on to Gurley beyond March 20, his $5.5 million base salary for 2020 along with a $5 million roster bonus for 2021 will become fully guaranteed.
• Florio believes the Rams will tell Gurley that they want to keep him, but possibly give him the option to gauge the market elsewhere to see if any team would offer him as much or more than what they would be willing to pay him on a restructured deal.

Seahawks

• According to Matt Miller of B/R, many around the NFL believe the Seahawks want to re-sign DE Jadeveon Clowney, but wonder if the feeling is mutual
• Sources have told Miller they expect Clowney to look to cash in with a “market-setting” contract that will likely come from a team other than the Seahawks. Miller mentions the Dolphins and Colts as two potential fits for Clowney.