Carolina Panthers working to trade Cam Newton & perhaps sign Teddy Bridgewater

Tom Brady isn't the only former NFL MVP-winning quarterback who is actively looking for a new home next season. The Carolina Panthers are working together to seek a trade and the Cats apparently want to sign free-agent Teddy Bridgewater to take Newton's place. Bridgewater is among the favorites on the NFL futures odds to replace Brady in New England as well.

Newton, a former No. 1 overall pick, was named the MVP of the 2015 season when he led Carolina to an NFL-best 15-1 regular-season record and a spot in the Super Bowl. The Panthers were upset by the Denver Broncos in Peyton Manning's final game.

Newton simply hasn't been the same guy since and has been really hit hard by injuries the past two years, mainly an ailing shoulder and nagging foot problems. Carolina has lost the past eight games Newton has started and only played the first two of 2019. His mobility was gone. The soon-to-be 31-year-old has a cap hit of around $21 million this year.

There are various media reports that the Panthers are showing strong interest in Bridgewater and that the conversations are going well. Carolina has a new head coach in Matt Rhule and a fairly new owner in David Tepper so a fresh start at quarterback may make sense. New Panthers offensive coordinator Joe Brady, formerly of LSU, worked with Bridgewater on the 2018 Saints. 

Teams that might make sense for Newton: the Bears, who are looking for someone to push Mitch Trubisky; the Broncos as insurance for young Drew Lock; the Dolphins, as a one-year stopgap; and maybe the Bucs or Chargers – whichever one doesn't land Brady as they are the two betting favorites for him. New England doesn't seem like a fit.