Editor’s note: As part of NFL’s Greatest Quarterback, fans will decide the best QB in each team’s history.
Kerry Collins: Collins was the first player drafted by the Panthers franchise. He didn’t start the team’s first game — that honor goes to Frank Reich — but he started 42 games in their first four years in existence.
Collins made a Pro Bowl in 1996 when he led Carolina to a 9-3 record. He threw for 2,454 yards with 14 touchdowns and nine interceptions.
Steve Beuerlein: Beuerlein originally signed as a backup to Collins, but off-the-field issues, combined with a lack of productivity, got the younger quarterback benched. Beuerlein took over as a full-time starter in 1998. He made a Pro Bowl the next season when he led the Panthers to an 8-8 record.
In 1999, Beuerlein threw for 4,436 yards with 36 touchdowns and 15 interceptions. After another productive 2000 season, Beuerlein was shockingly cut by George Seifert. Chris Weinke took over as the starter the next year and led the Panthers to a 1-15 record.
Jake Delhomme: Delhomme is the career leader in passing for the Panthers. He’s also led the Panthers to their only Super Bowl in 2003. That team lost to the Patriots 32-29.
The Panthers went 53-37 during Delhomme’s seven seasons in Carolina. That included 10-5, 11-5 and 12-4 seasons. Delhomme made one Pro Bowl during his time in the NFL, in 2005. He threw for 3,421 yards with 24 touchdowns and 16 interceptions that season.
Cam Newton: Newton was the No. 1 overall pick in 2011 and immediately made the Pro Bowl and was named the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. After just two seasons, Newton is the fourth-leading passer in Carolina history.
Newton has thrown for 7,920 yards and 40 touchdowns in his first two years in the NFL. He’s also added 22 touchdowns on the ground on 1,447 yards. The Panthers are 13-19 under Newton.
