Cam Newton Sep 8, 2019; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton (1) stands on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

The Carolina Panthers made a move to bolster their quarterback position on Wednesday afternoon, trading for Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield.

The trade gives the Panthers options and depth at the quarterback position as Mayfield joins fellow 2018 first-round pick Sam Darnold on the roster, as well as newly drafted rookie Matt Corral.

But it also could spell bad news for longtime Panthers quarterback Cam Newton, who was still in the running to rejoin the team.

According to ProFootballTalk, the Panthers had been keeping communication open and there was a possibility that Newton could return to the team this season even after the 2022 NFL Draft.

“I think we’re still having thoughts,” Panthers GM Scott Fitterer told ProFootballTalk. “We have to see how this works out here throughout the spring. I just happened to be up at the [Kentucky] Derby last weekend and Cam was up there. We’re texting a little bit. The lines of communication are open. I know Coach Rhule has spoken with him. We are going to have a discussion at some point but we’re just not quite there yet, but we’ll see how it goes. The more competition we have at that position the better.”

But with Mayfield joining the roster, it now seems unlikely Newton will be returning to Carolina this season.

If Newton does not return to the Panthers, it could mark the end of his NFL career as no other team has expressed interest in signing the 33-year-old quarterback. Newton has spent 11 seasons in the NFL – 10 with Carolina and one with the New England Patriots. He was named to three Pro Bowls and was the NFL’s Most Valuable Player in 2015.

Last season, Newton appeared in eight games for the Panthers, passing for 684 yards and four touchdowns with five interceptions.

[ProFootballTalk]