Newton 'excited' to have Grier as teammate

Cam Newton isn't sweating having another big personality in the quarterback room.

Although the Carolina Panthers' selection of former West Virginia star Will Grier in the third round of last week's draft may be viewed as an insurance policy, Newton expressed a team-first mentality following the pick.

"A lot of people - the natural (feeling) - you would think that I feel intimidated," Newton told Josh Sims of FOX 46. "That's not the case here. (I) reached out to Will. I've actually seen Will play in high school with him being in Charlotte. ... He possesses a rare talent, and I'm excited.

"For me, it's my job to put myself and this team in the best situation and to get everybody ready. ... I want to make sure I'm the best teammate and my best self for everyone."

Newton underwent arthroscopic shoulder surgery this offseason after the injury bothered him throughout the 2018 campaign. Despite his second shoulder procedure in the last three years, Carolina believes its quarterback could be ready for training camp.

The Panthers struggled after the former No. 1 pick's injury. They started the season 6-2 but went 1-7 in their final eight games.

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