Mike McCarn/Associated Press

Carolina Panthers quarterback Cam Newton may opt for surgery on his injured left foot now that he's been placed on injured reserve, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.

Per that report:

"Almost certainly out for the season, Newton is now considering surgery to repair the Lisfranc injury in his foot, sources say. The procedure, which would come in the next week or two, has a recovery time of eight-to-10 weeks—three months at the most.

"Conceivably, Newton's ligaments in his foot would be healthy and repaired by March, when his future will be decided. The original plan was to wait and rehab, with the hope being that in a matter of weeks he could return. When he was placed on IR, which he understood, the focus shifted to the future."

Rapoport added that Newton wants to continue his career, though it "remains highly unlikely" he'll do so with the Panthers in 2020.

Per that report, it's likely the Panthers will look to trade Newton and his $18.6 million 2020 salary this offseason.

Luckily for the Panthers, Kyle Allen—who spent most of last season on the practice squad—has thrown for 1,291 yards, nine touchdowns and four interceptions in six games, completing 60.7 percent of his passes.

More importantly, the Panthers have gone 5-1 with him under center.

Further, because he spent so much of last season on the practice squad, he was "cut off his rookie contract," per Rapoport. That means he could be "extended at any point" or will be "an exclusive rights free agent in 2020 and 2021 [and] then restricted in 2022."

If the Panthers move Newton—the 2015 MVP and still only 30 years old—they could extend Allen or wait for more of a sample size before offering big bucks.

For Newton, the Chicago Bears would be a logical suitor. Ditto for the Tennessee Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers (if Ben Roethlisberger retires), Tampa Bay Buccaneers (if they move on from Jameis Winston) or Denver Broncos (if they feel Drew Lock needs more time developing).