Kansas City Chiefs: Five QBs to acquire after Patrick Mahomes injury

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Cam Newton or Kyle Allen, Carolina Panthers

The Carolina Panthers suddenly have one of the most notable quarterback controversies in the league on their hands. With former MVP and Super Bowl quarterback Cam Newton sidelined with a foot injury, undrafted free agent Kyle Allen has stepped in and led the Panthers to a 4-0 record since taking over after an 0-2 start to the season.

With Newton getting healthier and closer to being ready to return to play, all eyes will be on the Panthers and head coach Ron Rivera to see what sort of decisions they make. A few pairs of those eyes could be in Kansas City.

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No matter the decision the Panthers decide to make regarding their starting quarterback for the rest of the season, the Kanas City Chiefs should be on the line as soon as a decision is made to see if the “loser” of the battle is available. While they may want to hold onto both of them, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to try to acquire one of these talented throwers for the rest of the year.

Cam Newton is a former number one overall pick, Heisman Trophy winner, NFL MVP, Super Bowl appearing quarterback… Newton’s track record speaks for itself. A healthy Cam Newton is one of the best players in the league. But health has been the issue.

Whether he plays through the injury or if it causes him to miss games, Cam has dealt with his fair share of issues in the recent past. While he does have loads of talent, the Panthers are clicking right now with Allen, and they may decide it is best to hand over the reins to him. That would leave Newton wanting another chance to contribute, and Kansas City this year would be a great place to do that.

Now Cam would obviously be the more expensive option of the two and does have another year on his contract after this season. Assuming the Kansas City Chiefs just need his services as a fill-in for Mahomes this year, that would make Newton a mighty expensive back-up next season. But his ability to fill in for Mahomes may be the best of anyone (assuming he comes back healthy) and could keep the Chiefs right there in the Super Bowl conversation.

If the Panthers decide to hand things back over to Newton, Allen would be an incredible option for the Chiefs. At a much cheaper price, money-wise and probably in regards to trade compensation as well, the flaming hot Kyle Allen would be a welcomed addition to the Kansas City squad.

Allen is playing at an elite level as a starter in Carolina. In addition to his 4-0 record, he has thrown seven touchdowns and zero interceptions. The Panthers offense is firing on all cylinders right now with Allen at the helm, and he would likely be able to contribute in a similar fashion in Kansas City.

Allen doesn’t have a cannon for an arm like Mahomes and doesn’t run the ball like a running back like Newton, but he finds the open man and finds a way to win games. I’d be surprised in the Panthers move him back to the bench as long as he is still playing so well and winning games, but if they do, the Kansas City Chiefs would benefit greatly from bringing him in for the rest of the season.

They may even be able to keep him around as a highly paid back-up after this year if Allen doesn’t garner a starting gig elsewhere in 2020.

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