It looks like the Panthers will release Clausen soon so they don't have to pay him ~$1M roster bonus he's due by the end of March. Considering he was behind Derek Anderson on the depth chart, it's unlikely they have any faith in Clausen. Plus, Newton and Clausen have very different styles of play; most teams prefer their backup to be similar so they don't have to change their offensive schemes.
So either they release or trade him. It's doubtful anyone will trade for him knowing that his pro career doesn't look promising and the Panthers don't want him, so no wise tema will pay a premium for Clausen's services.
Here are the potential suitors:
Chiefs - Cassel hasn't looked great without Weis and keeps getting injured. Kind of a mess there and likely isn't a good fit for Clausen.
Seahawks - Jackson isn't the answer. Pete is familiar with Clausen and may believe he can get him back on track. I also don't see them trading up for any of the big named draft prospects.
Jags - Gabbert doesn't look promising, though with that kind of support why would they give asimilar guy like Clausen a chance? Both would likely fail miserably behind the Jags porous OL.
Bills - They need a backup/distant future starter to groom behind Fitzpatrick, who has limited upside.
Broncos - very unlikely. They need a backup and probably won't bring BQ back. Elway is looking for a mid-rounder to compete and push Tebow to improve. Clausen isn't going to do that.
Packers - Flynn is leaving to become a starter somewhere, so there's an opening. Best case scenario; I just don't see it happening.
49ers - They'll bring back Smith, but they need a backup with Kaepernick (remember him from Nevada) as the current backup. Unlikely Harbaugh would want someone with Clausen's limited mobility (hence, Kaepernick, who's decent, being a better backup), though at least he's familiar with and knows what Clausen brings to the table. Another great place for Clausen because Harbaugh could develop Clausen.
Giants - David Carr is a FA and there's no reason the Giants should spend money to keep around a 33yo backup. Perhaps they want someone to develop behind Eli? Doubtful it's Clausen rather than a younger draft prospect. Eli's only 31.
Redskins - They'll get Peyton, so they'll no longer want Clausen. If for whatever reason that falls through, look for them to move up in the draft to get Griffin. If all of that falls through, then perhaps this happens.
Jets - Sanchez won't last much longer with NY/NJ fans pressuring for a change. I don't see Jimmy playing well with that kind of pressure with the little confidence he seems to have now.
I'm guessing the Bills will pick him up. There's really no clear place for him. Most think the Chiefs. Anyone else want to speculate? It is the offseason.
So either they release or trade him. It's doubtful anyone will trade for him knowing that his pro career doesn't look promising and the Panthers don't want him, so no wise tema will pay a premium for Clausen's services.
Here are the potential suitors:
Chiefs - Cassel hasn't looked great without Weis and keeps getting injured. Kind of a mess there and likely isn't a good fit for Clausen.
Seahawks - Jackson isn't the answer. Pete is familiar with Clausen and may believe he can get him back on track. I also don't see them trading up for any of the big named draft prospects.
Jags - Gabbert doesn't look promising, though with that kind of support why would they give asimilar guy like Clausen a chance? Both would likely fail miserably behind the Jags porous OL.
Bills - They need a backup/distant future starter to groom behind Fitzpatrick, who has limited upside.
Broncos - very unlikely. They need a backup and probably won't bring BQ back. Elway is looking for a mid-rounder to compete and push Tebow to improve. Clausen isn't going to do that.
Packers - Flynn is leaving to become a starter somewhere, so there's an opening. Best case scenario; I just don't see it happening.
49ers - They'll bring back Smith, but they need a backup with Kaepernick (remember him from Nevada) as the current backup. Unlikely Harbaugh would want someone with Clausen's limited mobility (hence, Kaepernick, who's decent, being a better backup), though at least he's familiar with and knows what Clausen brings to the table. Another great place for Clausen because Harbaugh could develop Clausen.
Giants - David Carr is a FA and there's no reason the Giants should spend money to keep around a 33yo backup. Perhaps they want someone to develop behind Eli? Doubtful it's Clausen rather than a younger draft prospect. Eli's only 31.
Redskins - They'll get Peyton, so they'll no longer want Clausen. If for whatever reason that falls through, look for them to move up in the draft to get Griffin. If all of that falls through, then perhaps this happens.
Jets - Sanchez won't last much longer with NY/NJ fans pressuring for a change. I don't see Jimmy playing well with that kind of pressure with the little confidence he seems to have now.
I'm guessing the Bills will pick him up. There's really no clear place for him. Most think the Chiefs. Anyone else want to speculate? It is the offseason.
