After studying his roster for a few months, new Panthers coach Ron Rivera sounds no closer to embracing Jimmy Clausen.
“There are absolutely no promises but the opportunity to compete,” Rivera told the Chicago Tribune about Clausen.
That’s not a surprise considering Clausen’s play in 2010. The Panthers are also trying to keep all options open regarding the No. 1 pick, and they won’t tip their hand of how they view their current quarterback.
There’s no doubt that Rivera would love to avoid a work stoppage so he can take a look at Clausen and see how his offense is shaping up before the draft.
“It’ll be tough,” Rivera told the Charlotte Observer. “Hopefully, we’ll get an opportunity to visit with him and continue to visit with him. And when that chance comes to get a feel for him and understand him and really look at him prior to the decision-making process.”
Teams with new head coaches like the Panthers have the most to lose in a work stoppage. Getting a deal done quickly will allow Carolina to better address their quarterback situation and possibly trade wide receiver Steve Smith around the draft.