The Carolina Panthers may be getting quarterback Cam Newton back on the field in June for minicamp after undergoing ankle surgery and as that goes on, the team could be looking at a trade with the New England Patriots for Danny Amendola to help rookie Kelvin Benjamin and the Panthers replace Steve Smith and his production in 2014.
Newton had ankle surgery this offseason that wasn't serious, but there was a chance he could have missed some of training camp and now that appears to be in the past. According to ESPN.com, coach Ron Rivera said that Newton could return by the start of camp, which is on the schedule for June 16 and will run until June 19 and having him back could be a huge boost for the offense. The team has Benjamin coming in as a rookie first round pick after losing leading receivers Steve Smith and Brandon LaFell and having Newton back will be huge for their chemistry.
Newton was working out with Benjamin after practice this week and while he was still hobbled with his ankle, he is reportedly a month ahead of schedule. ESPN.com reported that Newton was throwing passes to the former Florida State receiver and that he felt no pain in his ankle while going through a walkthrough and not participating in any contact drills. Newton has continued to develop into a very solid QB and the Panthers are hoping Benjamin can step up as a rookie after the team allowed their receivers to go as free agents.
The Danny Amendola trade is more of an idea than a realistic option, but after the Patriots drafted so many guys and signed some over the past two offseasons, they could afford to get rid of Amendola if they want to. Benjamin caught the winning pass in the national title game this year and he is being looked at as a red zone threat for the team and he could end up being the number one receiver this season alongside Jerricho Cotchery, Jason Avant and Tiquan Underwood. Those signings were solid for the Panthers, but replacing Steve Smith will be a tall task and that is no pun intended based on his size.
The Panthers are coming back after making the playoffs and they had a top 10 defense last season and they are looking to improve in the passing game. The team ranked 29th in the league in passing yards per game and Newton could help that if he develops nice chemistry with Benjamin. The Panthers have high expectations this season and they are expecting to compete for the division title again with the Saints after winning it last season. Newton wants to improve in his fourth year and he passed for over 3,300 yards last season.
